The Actor Manager by Harry Graham

Name: The Actor Manager
Author: Harry Graham

This novel satirizes the British theatre of the late 19th century, focusing on the rise and fall of a fictional actor-manager who embodies the excesses and corruption of the profession at that time. The story follows the character's meteoric ascent to fame and fortune, as well as his subsequent decline into bankruptcy and obscurity. Along the way, he engages in various scandals, including an affair with a young actress and a series of financial misdeeds. Throughout the novel, Graham critiques the social conventions and moral hypocrisies of Victorian England, using the theatre world as a microcosm for the broader societal issues of the time. The character's downfall serves as a commentary on the fleeting nature of fame and the corrupting influence of power.

By Harry Graham · First published 1907 · Genre: Satire, Poetry, Historical Fiction · 962 words

First lines

Long ago, our English actors Ranked with rogues and vagabonds; They were jailed as malefactors, They were ducked in village ponds. In the stocks the beadle shut them, While the friends they chanced to meet Would invariably cut them In the street.

With suspicion people eyed them, Ev'ry country-squire would feel That his fallow-deer supplied them With the makings of a meal. They annexed the parson's rabbits, Poached the pheasants of the peer, And had other little habits Just as queer!

What this Textopian page supports

The Actor Manager is listed on Textopian as a short story by Harry Graham, dated 1907 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Harry Graham
Date: 1907 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Poetry, Historical Fiction, Comedy, Drama
Length: 962 words
Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Satire — The text employs humor and irony to critique the social status and behavior of actors and managers, highlighting their quirks and societal perceptions.
Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes and narrative.
Historical Fiction — The text references historical figures and practices, such as the Bard of Avon, to provide context and depth to its satirical narrative.
Comedy — The narrative includes comedic elements, such as exaggerated character traits and humorous situations, to entertain and engage the reader.