Black Oxen by Gertrude Atherton

Name: Black Oxen
Author: Gertrude Atherton

Black Oxen is a novel by Gertrude Atherton that was published in 1923. The story follows the life of Mary Ogden, a wealthy socialite who undergoes a series of rejuvenating treatments to restore her youth and beauty. As she becomes younger, she falls in love with a much younger man named Julian, but their relationship is complicated by societal expectations and personal insecurities. The novel explores themes of aging, identity, and the pursuit of happiness.

By Gertrude Atherton · First published 1923 · Genre: Science Fiction, Romance, Drama · 59 chapters · 142,663 words

First lines

"Talk. Talk. Talk. Good lines and no action. said all. not even promising first act. eighth failure and season more than half over. rather be a playwright and fail than a critic compelled to listen to has-beens and would-bes trying to put over bad plays. Oh, for just one more great first-night. if there's a spirit world why don't the ghosts of dead artists get together and inhibit bad playwrights from tormenting first-nighters? . Astral board of Immortals sitting in Unconscious tweaking strings until gobbets and sclerotics become gibbering idiots every time they put pen to paper? . Fewer first-nights but more joy. also joy of sending producers back to cigar stands. Thank God, no longer a critic. don't need to come to first-nights unless I want. can't keep away. habit too strong. poor devil of a colyumist must forage. why did I become a columnist? More money. Money! And I once a rubescent socialist. best parlor type. Lord! I wish some one would die and leave me a million!"

What this Textopian page supports

Black Oxen is listed on Textopian as a novel by Gertrude Atherton, dated 1923 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Gertrude Atherton
Date: 1923 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Drama, Social Commentary
Length: 142,663 words
Structure: 59 chapters, 2,237 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Black Oxen by Gertrude Atherton
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Black Oxen?
How does this novel by Gertrude Atherton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The novel explores themes of rejuvenation and advanced medical science, which are central to the plot.
Romance — The story includes significant romantic elements and relationships that drive the narrative.
Drama — The book delves into personal and societal conflicts, providing a dramatic exploration of its characters.
Social Commentary — The narrative critiques and reflects on societal norms and expectations, particularly regarding age and gender.