Gulmore, the Boss by Frank Harris
The narrative follows the dynamics within the Gulmore household, focusing on Jonathan Byrne Gulmore, a powerful political figure, and his daughter, Ida. The story unfolds against the backdrop of an impending election, where Gulmore is determined to maintain his political dominance against Professor Roberts, a young and idealistic educator who poses a threat to his authority. Ida, initially indifferent to her father's political machinations, becomes embroiled in the conflict as her feelings for Roberts evolve from disdain to a complex mix of admiration and jealousy, particularly as she perceives him as a rival for her father's favor. As the election approaches, tensions rise, revealing the corrupt nature of local politics and the lengths to which Gulmore will go to eliminate Roberts. The professor's progressive ideas challenge the status quo, igniting a fierce battle between the old guard and the new. The narrative explores themes of ambition, power, and the moral complexities of political life, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that tests the characters' loyalties and convictions. Ultimately, the story examines the interplay of personal and political motivations, highlighting the impact of ambition on relationships and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in power.
By Frank Harris · First published 1904 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Political Fiction, Drama · 27,697 words
First lines
The habits of the Gulmore household were in some respects primitive. Though it was not yet seven o'clock two negro girls were clearing away the breakfast things under the minute supervision of their mistress, an angular, sharp-faced woman with a reedy voice, and nervously abrupt movements. Near the table sat a girl of nineteen absorbed in a book. In an easy-chair by the open bay-window a man with a cigar in his mouth was reading a newspaper. Jonathan Byrne Gulmore, as he always signed himself, was about fifty years of age; his heavy frame was muscular, and the coarse dark hair and swarthy skin showed vigorous health. There was both obstinacy and combativeness in his face with its cocked nose, low irregular forehead, thick eyebrows, and square jaw, but the deep-set grey eyes gleamed at times with humorous comprehension, and the usual expression of the countenance was far from ill-natured. As he laid the paper on his knees and looked up, he drew the eye. His size and strength seemed to be the physical equivalents of an extraordinary power of character and will. When Mrs. Gulmore followed the servants out of the room the girl rose from her chair and went towards the door. She was stopped by her father's voice:
What this Textopian page supports
Gulmore, the Boss is listed on Textopian as a novella by Frank Harris, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Frank Harris
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Political Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Literary Fiction
- Length: 27,697 words
- Structure: 1 section, 294 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Gulmore, the Boss by Frank Harris
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Gulmore, the Boss?
- How does this novella by Frank Harris fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The plot is set in a specific historical period and reflects the social and political context of that time.
- Political Fiction — The themes revolve around political power, corruption, and influence.
- Drama — The writing style and plot development focus on intense character interactions and emotional conflicts.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms and issues prevalent during the time period.
Tags
leadership · business · power · authority · management · ambition · success · corporate · influence · strategy · conflict · motivation