Edna Lyall by Helen C. Black (1888)
The novel is a critique of the social and economic conditions of women during the late 19th century. It follows the life of Edna, a young woman who marries for security but finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage. The story explores themes of feminism, class struggle, and the limited options available to women at the time.
By Helen C. Black · First published 1888 · Genre: Biography, Literary Criticism, Travel · 3,539 words
First lines
To the befogged Londoner there is perhaps no greater treat than to escape for forty-eight hours to the seaside even in the depths of winter, and whilst spinning along by the London, Brighton, and South Coast express, there is a pleasurable sense of excitement in the feeling that you are going to breathe the fresh sea air of Eastbourne untainted by smuts and smoke. "The Empress of watering-places," as a well-known journalist has named it, is now seen in its best aspect. It presents quite a different phase in August and September, when the residents, almost to a man, desert the town, having previously with great prudence let their houses at a high figure, and the place is given over to the holiday-makers, nigger minstrels, braying bands, and itinerant beach preachers. Now its genial, pleasant society is in full swing, and merry golf parties are the order of the day.
Similar titles
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Genres
- Biography — The text provides a detailed account of Edna Lyall's life, including her upbringing, career, and personal experiences.
- Literary Criticism — The work discusses Edna Lyall's novels, their themes, and the reception they received, offering insights into her literary contributions.
- Travel — The narrative includes vivid descriptions of Eastbourne and other locations, reflecting the author's experiences and observations.
- Historical — The text references historical contexts and events, particularly in relation to Edna Lyall's historical novels.
Tags
Biography · Memoir · Autobiographical · Victorian Era · Social Reform · Feminism · Women's Rights · Literary Nonfiction · Historical Figure · Edna Lyall's Life · Personal Narrative · Social Commentary
What this Textopian page supports
Edna Lyall is listed on Textopian as a novel by Helen C. Black, dated 1888 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Helen C. Black
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Biography, Literary Criticism, Travel, Historical, Autobiography
- Length: 3,539 words
- Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Edna Lyall by Helen C. Black
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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