Agatha's Husband by Dinah Mulock

Name: Agatha's Husband
Author: Dinah Mulock

The narrative centers on Agatha Bowen, a spirited and independent young woman navigating societal expectations regarding marriage. At nineteen, she is the subject of matchmaking efforts by her boarders, Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Thornycroft, who are determined to find her a husband. Agatha, however, finds their attempts amusing and resists their pressure, valuing her autonomy. The story unfolds during a dinner gathering where Major Harper, her guardian, and his younger brother, Nathanael, are present. Major Harper is charming and well-liked, while Nathanael, though initially perceived as shy and reserved, reveals depth and intelligence through his conversation about his experiences in Canada. As the evening progresses, Agatha engages with both brothers, displaying a mix of playful banter and genuine curiosity. The contrast between the brothers becomes apparent: Major Harper embodies the socialite, while Nathanael possesses a more introspective nature. Agatha's interactions with Nathanael spark her interest, though she remains largely focused on the more charismatic Major Harper. The story explores themes of identity, societal roles, and the complexities of relationships, particularly the tension between personal desires and societal expectations regarding marriage. Ultimately, Agatha's journey reflects her struggle for self-definition amidst the pressures of her social environment.

By Dinah Mulock · First published 1863 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Adventure · 30 chapters · 171,722 words

First lines

-- If there ever was a woman thoroughly like her name, it was Agatha Bowen. She was good, in the first place -- right good at heart, though with a slight external roughness (like the sound of the g in her name), which took away all sentimentalism. Then the vowels -- the three broad rich a's -- which no one can pronounce with nimini-pimini closed lips -- how thoroughly they answered to her character! -- a character in the which was nothing small, mean, cramped, or crooked.

But if we go on unfolding her in this way, there will not be the slightest use in writing her history, or that of one in whom her life is beautifully involved and enclosed -- as every married woman's should be --

What this Textopian page supports

Agatha's Husband is listed on Textopian as a novel by Dinah Mulock, dated 1863 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Dinah Mulock
Date: 1863 CE
Language: English
Genres: Romance, Drama, Adventure, Historical Fiction
Length: 171,722 words
Structure: 30 chapters, 3,790 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Where does Romance first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Romance — The book chronicles the romantic relationships and marriages in the main character Agatha's life.
Drama — Agatha's Husband is filled with melodramatic and emotional moments as Agatha navigates through her life.
Adventure — The plot consists of various adventurous and risky undertakings by the characters.
Historical Fiction — The book is set in and portrays the society of 19th-century England, qualifying it as historical fiction.