The Coming of the Lodger
A middle-aged woman rents a room to a young man who turns out to be a serial killer. The story explores the psychological dynamics between the two and the societal norms of the time that enable his crimes.
By Herbert Jenkins · First published 1927 · Genre: Comedy, Domestic Fiction, Satire · 6,318 words
First lines
Bang! Even Bindle was startled by the emphasis with which Mrs. Bindle placed upon the supper-table a large pie-dish containing a savoury-smelling stew.
"Anythink wrong? " he enquired solicitously, gazing at Mrs. Bindle over the top of the evening paper.
What this Textopian page supports
The Coming of the Lodger is listed on Textopian as a novel by Herbert Jenkins, dated 1927 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Herbert Jenkins
- Date: 1927 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Domestic Fiction, Satire, Social Commentary, Drama
- Length: 6,318 words
- Structure: 1 section, 186 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Coming of the Lodger by Herbert Jenkins
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Coming of the Lodger?
- How does this novel by Herbert Jenkins fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Mr Gupperducks Mishap by Herbert Jenkins
- A Comedy In Rubber by O. Henry
- Mr Hearty Yields by Herbert Jenkins
- A Double Barrelled Ghost by Israel Zangwill
- The Stolen White Elephant by Mark Twain
- An Original Idea by O. Henry
Genres
- Comedy — The narrative is driven by humorous dialogue and situations, particularly through the character of Bindle and his interactions with others.
- Domestic Fiction — The story focuses on the everyday life and domestic challenges of the Bindle household, highlighting marital dynamics and household management.
- Satire — The text satirizes social norms and religious attitudes, especially through the character of Mr. Gupperduck and his interactions with the Bindles.
- Social Commentary — The book provides commentary on societal issues such as class, religion, and the economic pressures of the time.
Tags
Mystery · Thriller · Crime Fiction · Detective Story · London Setting · 1920s Era · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Satire · Upper Class Portrayal · Working Class Portrayal