The Poser by H.C. McNeile (1921)
The story revolves around a young officer who returns to England after serving in the Boer War and becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships with women from different social classes. He struggles with his own identity and sense of belonging, particularly when he falls for a woman from a lower class than himself.
By H.C. McNeile · First published 1921 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Historical Fiction · 7,832 words
First lines
No one could call Portsdown-on-Sea a fashionable place. To the chosen few it constituted the most delightful seaside resort in the south of England. But very few did know, and they guarded their secret jealously. They formed a clique -- the Portsdown clique -- and the stranger within their gates was not welcomed.
The Grand was their stronghold, and during the winter the hotel relapsed into sleep, wrapped in a drab garment of dust sheets and chair covers.
What this Textopian page supports
The Poser is listed on Textopian as a novel by H.C. McNeile, dated 1921 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: 1921 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Drama, Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 7,832 words
- Structure: 1 section, 159 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Poser 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 The Poser?
- How does this novel by H.C. McNeile fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love, loss, and the possibility of new beginnings after the death of a spouse.
- Drama — The narrative explores deep emotional conflicts and personal growth, particularly in the context of post-war life.
- Historical Fiction — Set in the aftermath of World War I, the story reflects the societal and personal impacts of the war.
- Psychological Fiction — The protagonist's internal struggle with grief and identity is a key focus, highlighting psychological depth.
Tags
Action · Adventure · British Literature · Classic Fiction · Crime · Drama · English Literature · Fiction · Historical Fiction · Literary Fiction · Mystery · Novel