Scarlet and Hyssop by E.F. Benson

Name: Scarlet and Hyssop
Author: E.F. Benson

Scarlet and Hyssop is a novel by E.F. Benson that explores themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships. The story follows the lives of several characters, including the protagonist, a young woman named Scarlet, and her lover, Hyssop. Throughout the novel, Benson employs a subtle and nuanced approach to character development, using psychological insights and social commentary to create a richly textured narrative. The novel is set in the early 20th century and provides a detailed portrait of the societal norms and expectations of the time. Benson's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose, vivid imagery, and psychological depth, making Scarlet and Hyssop a compelling and thought-provoking read. Overall, Scarlet and Hyssop is a masterful work of literature that offers a powerful exploration of the human experience.

By E.F. Benson · First published 1908 · Genre: Fiction, Drama, Romance · 18 chapters · 89,617 words

First lines

It has been ordained by the wisdom of Nature that the same fact shall strike the majority of her foolish children almost simultaneously. This phenomenon can hardly have escaped the most casual observer; the majority of swallows, for instance, in any given area will agree, practically in the same week, that our English autumn is no longer tolerable, and with consenting twitterings set their heads southwards; or in the spring, again, one may observe that in any given field daisies and buttercups will determine, only to be nipped by unpunctual frosts, that it is now time to come out, while even man, that most vacillating and least uniform of all created things, has a certain sympathy in his sensations; the sap stirs with moderately equal effervescence in the most dissimilar units; and without further preamble, to take the case in point, London settles without consultation, but with considerable unanimity, when spring may be considered to have stopped and summer to have begun.

What this Textopian page supports

Scarlet and Hyssop is listed on Textopian as a novel by E.F. Benson, dated 1908 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: E.F. Benson
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fiction, Drama, Romance, Social Criticism
Length: 89,617 words
Structure: 18 chapters, 1,734 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Fiction — Scarlet and Hyssop is a work of fiction written by E.F. Benson, and doesn't fall into the realm of biographical, historical, or educational literature.
Drama — Much of the plot involves relationships and interpersonal conflict, characteristics typical of drama.
Romance — Part of the narrative revolves around romantic relations and love affairs among characters, which justifies the Romance genre.
Social Criticism — E.F. Benson uses his book to criticise and satirise the upper-class society of that time, which falls under the genre of social criticism.