Tarquin of Cheapside
The story revolves around Tarquin of Cheapside, a charismatic and wealthy American expatriate living in London. He becomes infatuated with a young woman named Susan, who is already engaged to another man. As Tarquin pursues Susan, his obsession grows, leading him to manipulate those around him, including his friends and acquaintances. The novel explores themes of love, class, and the corrupting influence of wealth, ultimately building towards a tragic confrontation.
By F. Scott Fitzgerald · First published 1921 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Drama · 3 chapters · 2,922 words
First lines
Running footsteps -- light, soft-soled shoes made of curious leathery cloth brought from Ceylon setting the pace; thick flowing boots, two pairs, dark blue and gilt, reflecting the moonlight in blunt gleams and splotches, following a stone's throw behind.
Soft Shoes flashes through a patch of moonlight, then darts into a blind labyrinth of alleys and becomes only an intermittent scuffle ahead somewhere in the enfolding darkness. In go Flowing Boots, with short swords lurching and long plumes awry, finding a breath to curse God and the black lanes of London.
What this Textopian page supports
Tarquin of Cheapside is listed on Textopian as a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, dated 1921 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Date: 1921 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Drama, Adventure, Satire
- Length: 2,922 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 88 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tarquin of Cheapside by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- 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 Tarquin of Cheapside?
- How does this short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Captains Toll Gate by Frank R. Stockton
- Mr Icky by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- The Oriolists by E. F. Benson
- Mr Tolman by Frank R. Stockton
- Todgers by Charles Dickens
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, specifically during the reign of Elizabeth I, exploring themes and characters relevant to that era.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is rich and complex, focusing on character development and thematic depth rather than plot-driven action.
- Drama — The story involves intense character interactions and conflicts, resembling a dramatic play with elements of tension and suspense.
- Adventure — The pursuit and chase elements in the plot provide an adventurous quality, highlighting the thrill of the characters' escapades.
Tags
satire · social commentary · 1920s · American literature · class struggle · urban life · wealth · romance · disillusionment · character study · modernism · cultural critique
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III