Inscrutable Decrees by E.F. Benson
Inscrutable Decrees by E.F. Benson is a collection of short stories that explore the lives and relationships of upper-class English society in the early 20th century. The book is known for its witty, satirical tone and its exploration of themes such as love, marriage, and social class.
By E.F. Benson · Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller · 6,791 words
First lines
I had found nothing momentous in the more august pages of _The Times_ that morning, and so, just because I was lazy and unwilling to embark on a host of businesses that were waiting for me, I turned to the first page and, beginning with the seventh column, pondered profoundly over "Situations Vacant," and hoped that the "Gentlewoman fond of games," who desired the position of governess, would find the very thing to suit her. I glanced at the notices of lectures to be delivered under the auspices of various learned societies, and was thankful that I had not got to give or to listen to any of them. I debated over "Business Opportunities"; I vainly tried to conjecture clues to mysterious "Personal" paragraphs, and, still pursuing my sideways, crab-fashion course, came to "Deaths Continued."
What this Textopian page supports
Inscrutable Decrees is listed on Textopian as a short story by E.F. Benson, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: E.F. Benson
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Drama, Adventure
- Length: 6,791 words
- Structure: 1 section, 89 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Inscrutable Decrees by E.F. Benson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Inscrutable Decrees?
- How does this short story by E.F. Benson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Negotium Perambulans by E. F. Benson
- The Judgment Books by E. F. Benson
- The Man With The Cough by Mary Louisa Molesworth
- The False Step by E. F. Benson
- The Thousandth Woman by E. W. Hornung
- The Great Awakening by E. Phillips Oppenheim
Genres
- Mystery — The title 'Inscrutable Decrees' suggests a plot involving cryptic or mysterious laws or instructions.
- Suspense — The unknown nature of 'Inscrutable Decrees' could result in suspenseful situations, as characters may be unsure or fearful of potential outcomes.
- Thriller — The element of potentially dangerous or deceptive 'Decrees' in the title hints at possible thriller elements within the story.
- Drama — The title implies that characters might have to follow 'Inscrutable Decrees' leading to dramatic conflicts.
Tags
mystery · suspense · drama · intrigue · psychological · literary · character study · social commentary · British literature · early 20th century · narrative style · plot twists