The Wheel of Life by Ellen Glasgow

Name: The Wheel of Life
Author: Ellen Glasgow

The novel revolves around the life of Laura Wentworth, a young woman from a wealthy family in Virginia during the late 19th century. The story explores themes of love, marriage, and social class as Laura navigates her relationships with three men: Andrew Baldwin, a poor but ambitious lawyer; Evan Baxter, a wealthy and charming suitor; and Roger Lawrence, a cynical and disillusioned intellectual. Through Laura's experiences, the novel examines the constraints placed on women by societal expectations and the limitations of their choices in life.

By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1906 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Romance · 38 chapters · 146,826 words

First lines

As the light fell on her face Gerty Bridewell awoke, stifled a yawn with her pillow, and remembered that she had been very unhappy when she went to bed. That was only six hours ago, and yet she felt now that her unhappiness and the object of it, which was her husband, were of less disturbing importance to her than the fact that she must get up and stand for three minutes under the shower bath in her dressing-room. With a sigh she pressed the pillow more firmly under her cheek, and lay looking a little wistfully at her maid, who, having drawn back the curtains at the window, stood now regarding her with the discreet and confidential smile which drew from her a protesting frown of irritation.

What this Textopian page supports

The Wheel of Life is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ellen Glasgow, dated 1906 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Ellen Glasgow
Date: 1906 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Romance, Psychological Fiction, Historical Fiction
Length: 146,826 words
Structure: 38 chapters, 2,431 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Wheel of Life?
How does this novel by Ellen Glasgow fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — Explores complex characters and social themes with a focus on narrative style and depth.
Social Commentary — Addresses societal issues and critiques social norms and structures.
Romance — Contains elements of romantic relationships and emotional entanglements.
Psychological Fiction — Delves into the inner thoughts and motivations of characters.