The Passionate Friends by H.G. Wells
The novel revolves around the lives of two couples, one older and one younger, who are connected by a complex web of relationships and desires. The story explores themes of love, marriage, and social class in late Victorian England. The narrative centers on Ralph and Laura, an older couple whose relationship is strained due to their differing personalities and values. They are contrasted with the younger couple, Philip and Mary, who represent a more modern and liberated approach to relationships. As the story unfolds, the characters' lives become increasingly intertwined, leading to a series of dramatic events that challenge their perceptions of love, marriage, and themselves. The novel ultimately presents a nuanced portrayal of human relationships, highlighting both the beauty and the difficulties of romantic connections.
By H.G. Wells · First published 1913 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Social Commentary · 12 chapters · 120,229 words
First lines
1
What this Textopian page supports
The Passionate Friends is listed on Textopian as a novel by H.G. Wells, dated 1913 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: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Drama, Social Commentary, Philosophical Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 120,229 words
- Structure: 12 chapters, 1,754 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Passionate Friends 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 Passionate Friends?
- 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
- Cope In Double Danger by Henry Blake Fuller
- Miss Tarrants Temperament by May Sinclair
- The Romance Of His Life by Mary Cholmondeley
- Cope As A Go Between by Henry Blake Fuller
- Mr Waddington Of Wyck by May Sinclair
- A Devotee by Mary Cholmondeley
Genres
- Romance — The central theme revolves around romantic relationships and emotional entanglements.
- Drama — The narrative is driven by intense personal and social conflicts.
- Social Commentary — The story explores societal norms and critiques social structures.
- Philosophical Fiction — The book delves into philosophical discussions about love and human relationships.
Tags
Romance · Novel · Social Commentary · Marriage · Relationships · Class Conflict · Love Triangle · English Literature · Early 20th Century · Realism · Psychological Insight · Character Study
Contents
- Mr. Stratton to his Son
- Boyhood
- Intentions and the Lady Mary Christian
- The Marriage of the Lady Mary Christian
- The War in South Africa
- Lady Mary Justin
- Beginning Again
- This Swarming Business of Mankind
- The Spirit of the New World
- Mary Writes
- The Last Meeting
- The Arraignment of Jealousy