A Holiday Task by Hector Hugh Munro
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his family's estate after being away for several years. He brings with him a new wife and a sense of disillusionment with the societal norms he was raised in. The narrative explores themes of class, morality, and the constraints placed on individuals by their social status. The protagonist's relationships with his family members are strained, particularly with his mother, who is portrayed as a symbol of the oppressive forces that have shaped him. His interactions with his wife reveal a deep-seated sense of disconnection and unhappiness. Throughout the story, the narrative critiques the societal conventions that govern the characters' lives, highlighting the tension between individual desire and social expectation. The tone is one of wry humor and biting satire, as the author exposes the hypocrisy and superficiality of the upper class.
By Hector Hugh Munro · First published 1898 · Genre: Comedy, Satire, Mystery · 2,331 words
First lines
Kenelm Jerton entered the dining-hall of the Golden Galleon Hotel in the full crush of the luncheon hour. Nearly every seat was occupied, and small additional tables had been brought in, where floor space permitted, to accommodate latecomers, with the result that many of the tables were almost touching each other. Jerton was beckoned by a waiter to the only vacant table that was discernible, and took his seat with the uncomfortable and wholly groundless idea that nearly every one in the room was staring at him. He was a youngish man of ordinary appearance, quiet of dress and unobtrusive of manner, and he could never wholly rid himself of the idea that a fierce light of public scrutiny beat on him as though he had been a notability or a super-nut.
What this Textopian page supports
A Holiday Task is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hector Hugh Munro, 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: Hector Hugh Munro
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Satire, Mystery, Social Commentary
- Length: 2,331 words
- Structure: 1 section, 44 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Holiday Task by Hector Hugh Munro
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Holiday Task?
- How does this short story by Hector Hugh Munro fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Comedy — The story is filled with humorous situations and witty dialogue, particularly revolving around the protagonist's interactions and the absurdity of the mistaken identity.
- Satire — The narrative satirizes social norms and behaviors, especially those related to class and identity, through exaggerated characters and situations.
- Mystery — The plot centers around the mystery of the woman's lost identity and the protagonist's involvement in uncovering it.
- Social Commentary — The story provides commentary on societal expectations and the superficial nature of social interactions, particularly in the context of class and identity.
Tags
Satire · Dark Comedy · Short Story · Humor · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Class Satire · English Literature · Edwardian Era · Novella · Anti-Hero · Morality Tale