Cope Entertains Several Ladies
The novel revolves around the life of Cope, a wealthy and charming bachelor who hosts lavish parties at his estate. He becomes infatuated with several women, including a beautiful young woman named Mrs. Van Vorst, but struggles to commit to any one relationship due to his fear of being tied down. As Cope's relationships with these women deepen, he finds himself increasingly isolated from the world around him. His parties become more extravagant and decadent, reflecting his growing sense of disconnection from reality. Through Cope's story, the novel explores themes of love, loneliness, and the corrupting influence of wealth and privilege. The narrative is a commentary on the social conventions of the time, highlighting the artificial nature of high society and the emptiness of its pursuits.
By Henry Blake Fuller · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama · 3,474 words
First lines
Cope's excuse, involving the expected visit of a relative, may not have been altogether sincere, but it received, within a week or so, the substantial backing of actuality: a relative came. She was an aunt -- his father's sister -- and she came at the suggestion of a concerned landlady. This person, made anxious by a languid young man who had begged off from his classes and who was likely to need more attention than her scanty margin of leisure could grant, had even suggested a hospital while yet it was easy for him to reach one. Though Cope meant to leave her soon, it did not suit him to leave her quite as soon as this; and so Aunt Harriet came in from Freeford to look the situation over and to lend a hand if need be. She spent two nights in a vacant chamber at transient rates; was grudgingly allowed to prepare his "slops," as he called them, in the kitchen; and had time to satisfy herself that, after all, nothing very serious was the matter.
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Cope Entertains Several Ladies is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry Blake Fuller, dated 1894 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Henry Blake Fuller
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama, Romance, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 3,474 words
- Structure: 1 section, 83 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Cope Entertains Several Ladies by Henry Blake Fuller
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex character interactions and social themes, focusing on personal relationships and societal expectations.
- Social Commentary — It critiques small-town life and the dynamics of family and friendship, reflecting on societal norms and individual aspirations.
- Drama — The narrative involves emotional exchanges and character development, highlighting personal struggles and interpersonal conflicts.
- Romance — There are elements of romantic tension and relationships, particularly in the interactions between Cope and the female characters.
Tags
Social Satire · Gilded Age Fiction · American Literature · Novel · Comedy of Manners · Upper Class Life · Marriage and Relationships · Society Novel · Romance · Humor · Wit · Class Conflict