Love and Mr. Lewisham by H.G. Wells

Name: Love and Mr. Lewisham
Author: H.G. Wells

The novel explores the complexities of marriage and relationships through the story of a middle-class couple, Mr. and Mrs. Lewisham. The narrative delves into their struggles with love, duty, and social expectations, highlighting the tensions between individual desires and societal norms. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the Lewishams' relationship is troubled by a lack of emotional connection and intellectual compatibility. Their marriage is marked by a sense of routine and obligation rather than passion or mutual understanding. Through the characters' experiences, the novel critiques the social conventions of the time, particularly the limited roles available to women. Mrs. Lewisham's desires for personal fulfillment and autonomy are stifled by her societal expectations as a wife and mother. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced portrayal of love and relationships, suggesting that true connection requires effort, communication, and a willingness to confront one's own flaws and limitations.

By H.G. Wells · First published 1900 · Genre: Romance, Social Commentary, Bildungsroman · 32 chapters · 80,161 words

First lines

The opening chapter does not concern itself with Love -- indeed that antagonist does not certainly appear until the third -- and Mr. Lewisham is seen at his studies. It was ten years ago, and in those days he was assistant master in the Whortley Proprietary School, Whortley, Sussex, and his wages were forty pounds a year, out of which he had to afford fifteen shillings a week during term time to lodge with Mrs. Munday, at the little shop in the West Street. He was called "Mr. " to distinguish him from the bigger boys, whose duty it was to learn, and it was a matter of stringent regulation that he should be addressed as "Sir."

What this Textopian page supports

Love and Mr. Lewisham is listed on Textopian as a novel by H.G. Wells, dated 1900 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: H.G. Wells
Date: 1900 CE
Language: English
Genres: Romance, Social Commentary, Bildungsroman, Drama, Literary Fiction
Length: 80,161 words
Structure: 32 chapters, 1,734 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Work identity for Love and Mr. Lewisham by H.G. Wells
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this novel by H.G. Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Romance first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Romance — The central theme revolves around the romantic relationship between the protagonist and his love interest.
Social Commentary — The narrative explores social class and the struggles of the working class in the context of the protagonist's ambitions and relationships.
Bildungsroman — The story follows the personal development and education of the protagonist as he navigates love and career.
Drama — The plot is driven by emotional and interpersonal conflicts, particularly in the protagonist's personal and professional life.