The Pretty Sister of Jose
The story revolves around a young girl who is often overlooked and underestimated by her family due to her plain appearance. She has an exceptionally beautiful sister who receives all the attention, which makes the protagonist feel inferior and unnoticed. As the story unfolds, the protagonist discovers her own strengths and talents, ultimately gaining recognition and appreciation from those around her.
By Frances Hodgson Burnett · First published 1889 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Social Commentary · 4 chapters · 24,118 words
First lines
It had taken him a long time, and it had cost him -- Jose -- much hard labor, to prepare for his aged grandmother and Pepita the tiny home outside Madrid, to which he at last brought them in great triumph one hot summer's day, when the very vine-leaves and orange-trees themselves were dusty. It had been a great undertaking for him in the first place, for he was a slow fellow -- Jose; slow as he was dull and kind and faithful to Pepita and the grandmother. He had a body as big as an ox, and a heart as big as his body, but he was slow and dull in everything but one thing -- that was his carpenter work. He was well enough at that, and more than well enough, for he had always had a fancy and a knack for it from the time when as a boy he had worked in his uncle's vineyards and tilled his fields and fed his beasts.
What this Textopian page supports
The Pretty Sister of Jose is listed on Textopian as a novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, 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: Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Date: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Social Commentary, Romance, Historical Fiction
- Length: 24,118 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 417 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Pretty Sister of Jose by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- 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 The Pretty Sister of Jose?
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- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of family, love, and societal expectations through rich character development and detailed narrative.
- Coming-of-Age — The story follows Pepita's growth and her evolving understanding of love and independence as she navigates her youth.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques social norms and gender roles, particularly regarding marriage and women's autonomy in a historical context.
- Romance — Romantic elements are present, particularly in the interactions between Pepita and the male characters, highlighting her resistance to traditional romantic pursuits.
Tags
Classic Literature · Children's Fiction · Family Relationships · Sisterly Love · Coming of Age · Growing Up · Social Class · Wealth and Poverty · Rural Life · English Countryside · Late 19th Century · Victorian Era