Only Temper by George Eliot (1872)
The novel Only Temper by George Eliot follows the story of a young woman named Maggie Tulliver who struggles to find her place in society and navigate complex relationships with those around her. The book explores themes of love, family, and personal growth as Maggie navigates the challenges of life in 19th century England.
By George Eliot · First published 1872 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Character Study, Social Commentary · 2,607 words
First lines
What is temper? Its primary meaning, the proportion and mode in which qualities are mingled, is much neglected in popular speech, yet even here the word often carries a reference to an habitual state or general tendency of the organism in distinction from what are held to be specific virtues and vices. As people confess to bad memory without expecting to sink in mental reputation, so we hear a man declared to have a bad temper and yet glorified as the possessor of every high quality. When he errs or in any way commits himself, his temper is accused, not his character, and it is understood that but for a brutal bearish mood he is kindness itself. If he kicks small animals, swears violently at a servant who mistakes orders, or is grossly rude to his wife, it is remarked apologetically that these things mean nothing -- they are all temper.
What this Textopian page supports
Only Temper is listed on Textopian as an essay by George Eliot, dated 1872 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: George Eliot
- Date: 1872 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Psychological Fiction, Character Study, Social Commentary, Philosophical Fiction, Domestic Fiction
- Length: 2,607 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Only Temper by George Eliot
- 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 Only Temper?
- How does this essay by George Eliot fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Psychological Fiction first become important in the reading?
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- The Innocence Of The Criminal by G. K. Chesterton
- He Knew He Was Right by Anthony Trollope
- Virtues And Vices by George Bernard Shaw
Genres
- Psychological Fiction — Explores the complexities of human temperament and its impact on behavior and relationships.
- Character Study — Focuses on the detailed examination of the protagonist's personality and its contradictions.
- Social Commentary — Critiques societal attitudes towards temper and the excuses made for bad behavior.
- Philosophical Fiction — Engages with philosophical questions about character, virtue, and the nature of temper.
Tags
temper · emotion · conflict · human nature · relationships · psychology · morality · society · character study · drama · introspection · philosophy