On Approval by Hector Hugh Munro
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after serving in the military and becomes infatuated with a woman he meets at a dance. He begins to pursue her, but their social differences make it difficult for them to be together. The narrative explores themes of class, love, and societal expectations.
By Hector Hugh Munro · First published 1906 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Social Commentary · 2,326 words
First lines
Of all the genuine Bohemians who strayed from time to time into the would-be Bohemian circle of the Restaurant Nuremberg, Owl Street, Soho, none was more interesting and more elusive than Gebhard Knopfschrank. He had no friends, and though he treated all the restaurant frequenters as acquaintances he never seemed to wish to carry the acquaintanceship beyond the door that led into Owl Street and the outer world. He dealt with them all rather as a market woman might deal with chance passers-by, exhibiting her wares and chattering about the weather and the slackness of business, occasionally about rheumatism, but never showing a desire to penetrate into their daily lives or to dissect their ambitions.
What this Textopian page supports
On Approval is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hector Hugh Munro, dated 1906 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: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Comedy, Social Commentary, Literary Fiction
- Length: 2,326 words
- Structure: 1 section, 35 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for On Approval by Hector Hugh Munro
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Satire — The narrative employs humor and irony to critique the pretentiousness and superficiality of the Bohemian art scene.
- Comedy — The story contains humorous elements, particularly in the depiction of the artist's interactions and the absurdity of the art world.
- Social Commentary — The text provides insight into societal attitudes towards art and the challenges faced by artists, highlighting themes of authenticity and commercialism.
- Literary Fiction — The work focuses on character development and explores complex themes related to identity and societal roles.
Tags
Satire · Comedy · Social Commentary · Romance · Novel · Literary Fiction · English Literature · Edwardian Era · Upper Class · Marriage · Society · Class System