Author! Author! by E.W. Hornung
The narrative revolves around two aspiring writers, one of whom, Pharazyn, becomes obsessed with transforming a brilliant story idea into a play. The unnamed narrator, who admires Pharazyn's talent, initially discourages him from pursuing this path, believing that Pharazyn lacks the necessary experience to write for the stage. Despite the narrator's concerns, Pharazyn dedicates himself to the play, neglecting other writing opportunities. After months of solitary work, he presents the completed manuscript to the narrator, who is moved by its emotional depth, particularly in the third act. As Pharazyn's play debuts, the narrator attends, only to realize that the play has been altered and is being presented by a successful manager, Morrison, who had previously dismissed Pharazyn's work. During the performance, Pharazyn, seated in the audience, becomes increasingly agitated as he recognizes his own words and ideas being performed without credit. In a moment of desperation, he confronts the audience, claiming authorship and revealing the truth about the play's origins. Tragically, he is thrown out, and the narrator witnesses his friend's downfall. The story culminates in Pharazyn's death shortly after the confrontation, leaving the narrator to grapple with the loss of his talented friend and the injustice of the literary world.
By E.W. Hornung · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction · 4,957 words
First lines
This story has to do with two men and a play, instead of a woman, and it is none of mine. I had it from an old gentleman I love: only he ought to have written it himself. This, however, he will never do, having known intimately in his young days one of the two men concerned. But I have his leave to repeat the story more or less as he told it -- if I can. And I am going to him for my rebuke -- when I dare.
"You want to hear the story of poor old Pharazyn and his play? I'm not going to tell it you.
What this Textopian page supports
Author! Author! is listed on Textopian as a short story by E.W. Hornung, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: E.W. Hornung
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 4,957 words
- Structure: 1 section, 57 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Author! Author! by E.W. Hornung
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Similar titles
- Dalyrimple Goes Wrong by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- A New Story And A New Character by George Bernard Shaw
- A Wayside Comedy by Rudyard Kipling
- The Free Selector A Comedietta by Rolf Boldrewood
- A Mad World My Masters by Charles Kingsley
- Max Thorek by Ring Lardner
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of authorship, creativity, and the struggles of writers, focusing on character development and emotional depth.
- Drama — The central plot revolves around the creation of a play and the dynamics of theatrical performance, making it inherently dramatic.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context of the literary world, it reflects the attitudes and challenges faced by writers of that era.
- Tragedy — The narrative culminates in a tragic outcome for the protagonist, highlighting themes of loss and despair.
Tags
literature · fiction · drama · playwriting · theater · comedy · romance · character study · British literature · 20th century · narrative · dialogue