Imprudence by Ethel Mills (1894)

Name: Imprudence
Author: Ethel Mills

The novel revolves around the theme of social class and its effects on personal relationships. The protagonist, a young woman from a lower-middle-class background, becomes involved with a wealthy family, leading to a complex web of relationships and power struggles. Through her experiences, the novel explores the tensions between old money and new wealth, as well as the consequences of upward mobility.

By Ethel Mills · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Coming-of-Age · 41 chapters · 86,469 words

First lines

"Now came still evening on. " The fading light, warm and faintly glowing from the last rays of the May sun, lay with a lingering mellowness upon the fields, upon the light green of leafing trees, upon a white froth of late blackthorn blossoming in the hedges, upon the straggling township nestling in the hollow, and upon the tall red-brick chimneys dominating Wortheton -- dominating the souls sheltering beneath the clustering roofs -- dominating and subjugating brain and mind and body by the might of their crushing omnipotence, by the strength of wealth and industry and established order -- gaunt chimneys, rising out of the green mist of the trees, grotesque, symbolic landmarks -- index fingers witnessing in obelisk-like ugliness to the power and importance of successful commercial enterprise, to the dignity of capital and the drab necessity of labour, to, in short, the disproportionate values in most existing things.

What this Textopian page supports

Imprudence is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ethel Mills, dated 1894 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Ethel Mills
Date: 1894 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Coming-of-Age, Drama, Romance
Length: 86,469 words
Structure: 41 chapters, 1,597 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Imprudence by Ethel Mills
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 Imprudence?
How does this novel by Ethel Mills fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex characters and themes, focusing on social issues, personal growth, and moral dilemmas.
Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms, class structures, and the moral expectations of the community.
Coming-of-Age — The protagonist, Prudence, navigates her youth, identity, and the transition into adulthood amidst societal pressures.
Drama — The story contains intense emotional conflicts and interpersonal relationships that drive the plot.