An Arrow at a Venture
The novel revolves around the life of a young officer who returns to England after serving in India and becomes embroiled in a love triangle with two women. The story explores themes of love, loyalty, and identity as the protagonist navigates his relationships and grapples with his sense of self. The narrative is characterized by its focus on the inner lives and emotions of the characters, particularly the protagonist's introspective musings on his experiences and feelings. The author employs a lyrical and poetic style to convey the complexities of human emotion and the fragility of relationships. Throughout the novel, the author critiques societal norms and expectations surrounding love, marriage, and social class. The story raises questions about the nature of identity and how it is shaped by external factors such as family, culture, and personal experiences. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, one that challenges readers to consider the complexities of love, loyalty, and identity in their own lives.
By H.C. McNeile · First published 1922 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Psychological Fiction · 8,205 words
First lines
For the twentieth time the Man went through the whole wretched business again, in his mind. To the casual diner at the Milan, he was just an ordinary well-groomed Englishman, feeding by himself, and if he ate a little wearily, and there was a gleam of something more than sadness in the deep-set eyes, it was not sufficiently noticeable to attract attention.
"Monsieur finds everything to his satisfaction? " The head-waiter paused by the table, and the Man glanced up at him. A smile flickered round his mouth as the irony of the question struck home, and, almost unconsciously, his hand touched the letter in his coat pocket.
What this Textopian page supports
An Arrow at a Venture is listed on Textopian as a novel by H.C. McNeile, dated 1922 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: H.C. McNeile
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Drama, Psychological Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 8,205 words
- Structure: 1 section, 162 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Arrow at a Venture by H.C. McNeile
- 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 An Arrow at a Venture?
- How does this novel by H.C. McNeile fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romance — The central theme revolves around the romantic relationship between Hugh Lethbridge and his wife, Doris, exploring their emotional struggles and reconciliation.
- Drama — The narrative is driven by intense emotional conflicts, misunderstandings, and personal dilemmas, characteristic of dramatic storytelling.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the psychological states of the characters, particularly Hugh's introspection and emotional turmoil.
- Historical Fiction — Set in the post-World War I era, the story reflects the social and economic conditions of the time, influencing the characters' lives.
Tags
Adventure · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Satire · English Literature · Novel · Comedy of Manners · Romance · Wit · Sarcasm · Irony