The Silver Goblets
The Silver Goblets is a short story by G.K. Chesterton that was first published in 1905. The story follows the investigation of a mysterious murder at a country house, where all the suspects have an alibi and no one seems to know what happened. The detective in charge of the case is Father Brown, who uses his knowledge of human nature and psychology to solve the crime.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1926 · Genre: Satire, Essay, Social Commentary · 1,393 words
First lines
It was reported that at the sumptuous performance of _Henry VIII_ at His Majesty's Theatre, the urns and goblets of the banquet were specially wrought in real and solid silver and in the style of the sixteenth century. This bombastic literalism is at least very much the fashion in our modern theatricals. Mr. Vincent Crummles considered it a splendid piece of thoroughness on the part of an actor that he should black himself all over to perform Othello. But Mr. Crummles's ideal falls far short of the theoretic thoroughness of the late Sir Herbert Tree; who would consider blacking oneself all over as comparatively a mere sham, compromise, and veneer. Sir Herbert Tree would, I suppose, send for a real negro to act Othello; and perhaps for a real Jew to act Shylock -- though that, in the present condition of the English stage, might possibly be easier.
What this Textopian page supports
The Silver Goblets is listed on Textopian as a short story by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1926 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Essay, Social Commentary, Literary Criticism, Philosophical
- Length: 1,393 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Silver Goblets by G.K. Chesterton
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Mystery Of A Pageant by G. K. Chesterton
- The Astonishment Of The Agent by G. K. Chesterton
- The Riddle Of The Ivy by G. K. Chesterton
- The Red Angel by G. K. Chesterton
- The Wrong Incendiary by G. K. Chesterton
- The Vanishing Of Vaudrey by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Satire — The text critiques the theatrical industry's obsession with realism and extravagance, using humor and irony to highlight absurdities.
- Essay — The work presents a structured argument and analysis of contemporary theatrical practices, resembling an essay in form and content.
- Social Commentary — The narrative offers insights into societal and cultural trends, particularly the influence of wealth on art and representation.
- Literary Criticism — The text evaluates and critiques the interpretation and staging of classic plays, reflecting on artistic principles.
Tags
mystery · detective · crime · suspense · whodunit · investigation · intrigue · plot twist · literary fiction · short stories · British literature · early 20th century