The Vice-Consort. the Next Neighbor
A group of friends gathers in a garden, where a red thrush's song brings joy to John Gayther and the others. The Next Neighbor, a lively woman, shares her thoughts on life and duty, reflecting on her marriage and the complexities of relationships. She recounts a conversation about Margaret Temple, a woman who has been approached by several wives to promise to marry their husbands if they die. This leads to discussions about the nature of love, jealousy, and the expectations placed on women. The Next Neighbor becomes intrigued by Margaret, believing her to be a suitable match for her husband, Bernard, should anything happen to her. As she grapples with her feelings of jealousy and insecurity, she devises a plan to ensure Bernard's happiness by hoping he will marry Margaret if she dies. However, her plans are disrupted when she learns that Bernard's brother, George, is engaged, leaving her feeling betrayed and heartbroken. In a confrontation with Margaret, she reveals her feelings and intentions, only to discover that Margaret is already engaged. The story explores themes of love, duty, and the complexities of human relationships, ultimately highlighting the struggles of the Next Neighbor as she navigates her emotions and the expectations of society.
By Frank R. Stockton · First published 1892 · Genre: Fiction, Romance, Drama · 11,438 words
First lines
The red thrush seemed now to be part of the pleasantness of the garden. Whether he was drawn to the lilac-bushes by the sweet memory of his former home, or whether he was keeping a tryst with his mate of the nesting season and was calling her to come to him, or whether his coming was pure caprice, of course John Gayther could not know. But every day he came; and when the sky was clear he sang his merry song; and even when the clouds were overshadowing he could not help uttering little trills of melody. After a time he would fly away; but he left a note of gladness in John's heart that stayed there all day.
What this Textopian page supports
The Vice-Consort. the Next Neighbor is listed on Textopian as a novella by Frank R. Stockton, dated 1892 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Frank R. Stockton
- Date: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Romance, Drama, Historical, Adventure
- Length: 11,438 words
- Structure: 1 section, 166 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Fiction — The book is a work of imaginative narrative prose.
- Romance — The plot centers around romantic relationships and emotional connections.
- Drama — The story involves intense character development and emotional themes.
- Historical — The setting and context are influenced by historical events and periods.
Tags
fantasy · adventure · romance · political intrigue · satire · social commentary · mystery · humor · historical fiction · character development · narrative style · dialogue