The Hammerpond Park Burglary
The story revolves around a burglary that takes place at Hammerpond Park, the estate of a wealthy and influential family. The event sets off a chain reaction of events that exposes the darker aspects of society, including corruption and social inequality. The narrative explores themes of class struggle, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. It delves into the lives of the characters involved in the burglary, revealing their motivations and backstories. Throughout the story, Wells critiques the social norms and conventions of his time, highlighting the need for reform and change. The novel is a commentary on the societal ills of the late 19th century, with a focus on the experiences of the working class. The plot is driven by a series of events that unfold as a result of the burglary, including a police investigation, a trial, and its aftermath. Along the way, Wells raises questions about justice, morality, and the role of the state in society. Ultimately, the story presents a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, one that challenges readers to consider the complexities of social hierarchy and the consequences of our actions.
By H.G. Wells · First published 1898 · Genre: Crime, Comedy, Satire · 3,219 words
First lines
It is a moot point whether burglary is to be considered as a sport, a trade, or an art. For a trade, the technique is scarcely rigid enough, and its claims to be considered an art are vitiated by the mercenary element that qualifies its triumphs. On the whole it seems to be most justly ranked as sport, a sport for which no rules are at present formulated, and of which the prizes are distributed in an extremely informal manner. It was this informality of burglary that led to the regrettable extinction of two promising beginners at Hammerpond Park.
What this Textopian page supports
The Hammerpond Park Burglary is listed on Textopian as a short story by H.G. Wells, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Crime, Comedy, Satire, Adventure, Mystery
- Length: 3,219 words
- Structure: 1 section, 58 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Hammerpond Park Burglary 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 Hammerpond Park Burglary?
- How does this short story by H.G. Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Crime first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Crime — The plot revolves around a burglary attempt, focusing on the planning and execution of a crime.
- Comedy — The narrative includes humorous elements, such as misunderstandings and the protagonist's interactions with others.
- Satire — The story satirizes societal norms and the art world through the protagonist's disguise and interactions.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a risky and daring mission, involving elements of suspense and action.
Tags
Mystery · Thriller · Crime Fiction · Detective Story · English Literature · Classic Novel · Victorian Era · Social Commentary · Satire · Humor · Whodunit · Plot Twist