A Monarch of a Small Survey
A Monarch of a Small Survey, by Gertrude Atherton, is a novel set in the early 20th century that follows the life of a wealthy and powerful woman named Julia Chester. The story explores themes of power, class, and gender roles as Julia navigates her way through society's expectations and restrictions.
By Gertrude Atherton · First published 1904 · Genre: Drama, Gothic, Social Commentary · 3 chapters · 11,250 words
First lines
The willows haunted the lake more gloomily, trailed their old branches more dejectedly, than when Dr. Hiram Webster had, forty years before, bought the ranchos surrounding them from the Moreno grandees. Gone were the Morenos from all but the archives of California, but the willows and Dr. Hiram Webster were full of years and honors. The ranchos were ranchos no longer. A somnolent city covered their fertile acres, catching but a whiff at angels' intervals of the metropolis of nerves and pulse and feverish corpuscles across the bay.
What this Textopian page supports
A Monarch of a Small Survey is listed on Textopian as a novella by Gertrude Atherton, 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: Gertrude Atherton
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Gothic, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 11,250 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 217 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Monarch of a Small Survey by Gertrude Atherton
- 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 A Monarch of a Small Survey?
- How does this novella by Gertrude Atherton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Dukes Children by Anthony Trollope
- Perch Of The Devil by Gertrude Atherton
- The Inheritance by D. H. Lawrence
- A Daughter Of The Vine by Gertrude Atherton
- The Californians by Gertrude Atherton
- Hudson River Bracketed by Edith Wharton
Genres
- Drama — The narrative focuses on intense character development and emotional themes, exploring the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations.
- Gothic — The setting includes a mysterious old house with an atmosphere of decay and secrets, contributing to a sense of foreboding and suspense.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques social hierarchies and the pursuit of wealth, highlighting the impact of societal norms on individual lives.
- Psychological Fiction — The work delves into the inner thoughts and struggles of its characters, particularly focusing on themes of aging, regret, and unfulfilled desires.
Tags
society · class · California · wealth · power · ambition · gender · family · politics · romance · conflict · identity