The Beautiful Suit by H.G. Wells
This novel explores the intersection of technology and human relationships through a narrative that revolves around a man who creates an artificial woman to serve him. The story delves into themes of loneliness, companionship, and the blurring of lines between reality and artificiality.
By H.G. Wells · First published 1909 · Genre: Fantasy, Symbolism, Tragedy · 1,956 words
First lines
There was once a little man whose mother made him a beautiful suit of clothes. It was green and gold, and woven so that I cannot describe how delicate and fine it was, and there was a tie of orange fluffiness that tied up under his chin. And the buttons in their newness shone like stars. He was proud and pleased by his suit beyond measure, and stood before the long looking-glass when first he put it on, so astonished and delighted with it that he could hardly turn himself away. He wanted to wear it everywhere, and show it to all sorts of people. He thought over all the places he had ever visited, and all the scenes he had ever heard described, and tried to imagine what the feel of it would be if he were to go now to those scenes and places wearing his shining suit, and he wanted to go out forthwith into the long grass and the hot sunshine of the meadow wearing it. Just to wear it! But his mother told him "No."
What this Textopian page supports
The Beautiful Suit is listed on Textopian as a short story by H.G. Wells, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: H.G. Wells
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Symbolism, Tragedy, Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction
- Length: 1,956 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Beautiful Suit by H.G. Wells
- 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 Beautiful Suit?
- How does this short story by H.G. Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Certain Personal Matters by H. G. Wells
- The Gregory Circle by Murray Leinster
- The Apple by H. G. Wells
- Tono Bungay by H. G. Wells
- Referent by Ray Bradbury
- The Einstein See Saw by Miles J. Breuer
Genres
- Fantasy — The story contains elements of magical realism and dream-like sequences, such as the transformation of the night and the protagonist's surreal journey.
- Symbolism — The narrative uses the suit as a symbol for aspirations, societal expectations, and the pursuit of happiness.
- Tragedy — The story concludes with the protagonist's death, highlighting the tragic consequences of his pursuit of freedom and joy.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist's journey reflects themes of growth, self-discovery, and the transition from innocence to experience.
Tags
Science Fiction · Dystopian · Social Commentary · Satire · Utopian · Philosophical · Psychological · Exploratory · Speculative · Futuristic · Class Struggle · Economic Critique