The Gamble by Gilbert Frankau (1937)
The Gamble is a novel by Gilbert Frankau that follows the story of a young man named Peter who inherits a large sum of money and decides to use it to start his own business. However, he quickly finds himself in over his head as he struggles to navigate the cutthroat world of finance and deal with unscrupulous partners. Along the way, he also grapples with personal relationships and the temptations that come with sudden wealth. The book explores themes of ambition, greed, and morality in a fast-paced and engaging narrative.
By Gilbert Frankau · First published 1937 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical · 454 words
First lines
If man backs horses, plays cards or dice, Or bets on an ivory ball, He knows the rules, and he reckons the price -- Be it one half-crown, or his all. (And it isn't sense, and it isn't pluck, To double the stakes when you're out of luck! )
If he plays -- with his life for a limit -- here, It's an even-money game: He can lay on the Red -- which is Conquered Fear, Or the Black -- which is Utter Shame. (And there isn't much choice between Reds and Blacks, For Death throws "zero" whichever he backs.)
What this Textopian page supports
The Gamble is listed on Textopian as a novel by Gilbert Frankau, dated 1937 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Gilbert Frankau
- Date: 1937 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical, War, Drama
- Length: 454 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Gamble by Gilbert Frankau
- 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 The Gamble?
- How does this novel by Gilbert Frankau fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, relationships, and emotional stakes, central to romance.
- Philosophical — The work explores existential themes and the nature of risk and choice, typical of philosophical literature.
- War — References to machine-gun fire and life-risking scenarios suggest a backdrop of war.
Tags
drama · romance · conflict · betrayal · risk · love · loss · society · wealth · ambition · human nature · relationships