Wired Love by Ella Cheever Thayer
The narrative unfolds around a young telegraph operator, Nattie Rogers, who navigates her life between the mundane realities of her job and the romantic possibilities presented by her interactions over the telegraph wire. Nattie is introduced as a capable and somewhat ambitious young woman, who dreams of becoming a writer while grappling with the loneliness of her profession. Her life takes a turn when she begins communicating with a mysterious operator known as "C," who captivates her with his wit and charm through their telegraphic exchanges. As their correspondence deepens, Nattie becomes increasingly intrigued by C, speculating about his identity and nature. However, her romantic notions are shattered when C unexpectedly visits her in person, revealing himself to be a rather unappealing character with red hair, a musk scent, and a brash demeanor. This encounter leaves Nattie disillusioned, as she realizes that the charming persona she had imagined was merely a projection of her desires. In the backdrop, Nattie's friend Cyn Archer is pursuing her own ambitions in music, and their friendship provides a contrast to Nattie's romantic struggles. Cyn's success and vibrant personality highlight Nattie's insecurities and longing for a more fulfilling life. Meanwhile, Quimby, another character in their circle, harbors feelings for Nattie but struggles to express them, often leading to comedic misunderstandings. As the story progresses, Nattie grapples with her feelings of disappointment and jealousy, particularly as she observes the budding romance between Cyn and Clem, who is revealed to be the true identity of C. The narrative explores themes of ambition, identity, and the complexities of love, ultimately leading to a resolution where Nattie must confront her own desires and the reality of her relationships. The climax of the story revolves around a picnic where the characters' dynamics shift, and Quimby finally confesses his feelings for Nattie, leading to a humorous yet poignant conclusion. The tale encapsulates the trials of young love, the search for self-identity, and the bittersweet nature of human connections, all set against the backdrop of the early telegraphic age.
By Ella Cheever Thayer · First published 1889 · Genre: Romance, Science Fiction, Literary Fiction · 16 chapters · 64,243 words
First lines
"The old, old story," -- in a new, new way.
Just a noise, that is all.
What this Textopian page supports
Wired Love is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ella Cheever Thayer, dated 1889 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Ella Cheever Thayer
- Date: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
- Length: 64,243 words
- Structure: 16 chapters, 1,517 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Wired Love by Ella Cheever Thayer
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Wired Love?
- How does this novel by Ella Cheever Thayer fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romance — The central plot revolves around a romantic relationship facilitated through technology.
- Science Fiction — The story explores themes of communication and connection in a technologically advanced setting.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style and character development reflect deeper social themes and human experiences.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms regarding love and technology.
Tags
Dystopian · Science Fiction · Romance · Social Commentary · Industrialization · Technology · Love Story · Marriage · Family · Society · Class Struggle · Inequality
Contents
- Sounds from a Distant "C"
- At the Hotel Norman
- Visible and Invisible Friends
- Neighborly Calls
- Quimby Bursts Forth in Eloquence
- Collapse of the Romance
- "Goodbye"
- The Feast
- Unexpected Visitors
- The Broken Circuit Reunited
- Miss Kling Telegraphically Baffled
- Crosses on the Line
- The Wrong Woman
- Quimby Accepts the Situation
- One Summer Day
- O. K