Ideals by Edward Everett Hale (1872)
The story revolves around four friends who make a pact to meet again after 20 years and discuss their ideals. The novel explores how each of them has progressed in achieving their ideals, with some having compromised on their values while others have remained steadfast. Through the characters' journeys, the novel examines the challenges of maintaining one's ideals in the face of societal pressures and personal struggles.
By Edward Everett Hale · First published 1872 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Inspirational, Philosophical · 4 chapters · 9,896 words
First lines
I have a little circle of friends, among all my other friends quite distinct, though of them. They are four men and four women; the husbands more in love with their wives than on the days when they married them, and the wives with their husbands. These people live for the good of the world, to a fair extent, but much, very much, of their lives is passed together. Perhaps the happiest period they ever knew was when, in different subordinate capacities, they were all on the staff of the same magazine. Then they met daily at the office, lunched together perforce, and could make arrangements for the evening. But, to say true, things differ little with them now, though that magazine long since took wings and went to a better world.
What this Textopian page supports
Ideals is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edward Everett Hale, dated 1872 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edward Everett Hale
- Date: 1872 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Inspirational, Philosophical, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 9,896 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 199 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ideals by Edward Everett Hale
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Ideals?
- How does this short story by Edward Everett Hale fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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- All Men Are Brothers by James Mcintyre
- The Secret Places Of The Heart by H. G. Wells
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The plot and themes are deeply rooted in historical events and figures.
- Inspirational — The narrative focuses on moral and ethical ideals meant to inspire readers.
- Philosophical — The writing style and themes explore philosophical questions and ideals.
- Literary Fiction — The book emphasizes character development and stylistic prose.
Tags
Philosophy · Idealism · Morality · Ethics · Social Commentary · Utopian Fiction · Dystopian Fiction · Satire · Political Fiction · Adventure · Fantasy · Romance