The Perverseness of Words
The story revolves around a young woman who becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships and deceit. She marries a wealthy older man, but soon finds herself drawn to his nephew, who is younger and more charming. As the love triangle unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the characters' true motives are exposed, leading to a tragic conclusion.
By Egerton Castle · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Psychological Fiction · 2,524 words
First lines
"Berriet mein blasses Angesicht Dir nicht mein Liebeswehe? Und willst du, dass der stolze Mund Das Bettelwort gestehe? " HEINE.
Steven, stretching a determined hand at last to the bell, was arrested in the act by the sound of the opening door. He turned to see Sidonia standing in the entrance.
What this Textopian page supports
The Perverseness of Words is listed on Textopian as a short story by Egerton Castle, 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: Egerton Castle
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Satire, Historical Fiction
- Length: 2,524 words
- Structure: 1 section, 46 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Perverseness of Words by Egerton Castle
- 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 The Perverseness of Words?
- How does this short story by Egerton Castle fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Talkability by Henry Van Dyke
- On Convincing People by Hilaire Belloc
- On Communications by Hilaire Belloc
- Nominalist And Realist by Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Beyond Debate by Hervey Allen
Genres
- Literary Fiction — Explores complex themes and character development with a focus on language and its impact.
- Philosophical Fiction — Engages with philosophical questions about the nature and power of words.
- Psychological Fiction — Delves into the psychological effects of language on individuals.
- Satire — Uses wit and irony to critique societal norms and the use of language.
Tags
Philosophy · Language · Semantics · Meaning · Communication · Rhetoric · Logic · Argumentation · Fallacies · Critical Thinking · Epistemology · Linguistics