Comrades by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
The novel explores the lives of three women, each representing a different social class, who become involved in the labor movement during the late 19th century in America. The story revolves around their struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs as they fight for workers' rights and better working conditions. Through their experiences, the novel highlights the harsh realities of industrial capitalism and the need for collective action to bring about change.
By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward · First published 1879 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary · 8,849 words
First lines
In the late May evening the soul of summer had gone suddenly incarnate, but the old man, indifferent and petulant, thrashed upon his bed. He was not used to being ill, and found no consolations in weather. Flowers regarded him observantly -- one might have said critically -- from the tables, the bureau, the window-sills: tulips, fleurs-de-lis, pansies, peonies, and late lilacs, for he had a garden-loving wife who made the most of "the dull season," after crocuses and daffodils, and before roses. But he manifested no interest in flowers; less than usual, it must be owned, in Patience, his wife. This was a marked incident. They had lived together fifty years, and she had acquired her share of the lessons of marriage, but not that ruder one given chiefly to women to learn -- she had never found herself a negligible quantity in her husband's life.
What this Textopian page supports
Comrades is listed on Textopian as a novella by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, dated 1879 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- Date: 1879 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary, Drama, Literary Fiction
- Length: 8,849 words
- Structure: 1 section, 166 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Comrades by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical period with detailed descriptions of the era.
- Romance — Central focus on romantic relationships and emotional bonds.
- Social Commentary — Addresses social issues and critiques societal norms.
- Drama — Contains intense character development and emotional themes.
Tags
Feminism · Social Reform · Labor Rights · Women's Suffrage · American Literature · 19th Century · Historical Fiction · Romance · Marriage · Family · Friendship · Love Triangle