The Downfall of Mr. Jabez Stiffson
The novel revolves around the life of a middle-aged man who has built his career on deceit and manipulation. He is a respected member of society but his facade begins to crumble when he becomes embroiled in a scandal involving a young woman. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Mr. Stiffson's downfall is not just a result of external circumstances, but also due to his own flaws and weaknesses. His inability to form genuine relationships and his tendency to exploit those around him ultimately lead to his demise. Throughout the novel, themes of morality, class, and social status are explored in depth. The author raises questions about the nature of success and whether it is worth sacrificing one's integrity for material gain. The narrative is a commentary on the societal norms of the time, highlighting the hypocrisy and superficiality that often characterized upper-class life.
By Herbert Jenkins · First published 1928 · Genre: Comedy, Farce, Satire · 6,281 words
First lines
I
The next morning Bindle let Mrs. Sedge in at her usual time, seven o'clock.
What this Textopian page supports
The Downfall of Mr. Jabez Stiffson is listed on Textopian as a novel by Herbert Jenkins, dated 1928 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: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Farce, Satire, Drama, Romantic Comedy
- Length: 6,281 words
- Structure: 1 section, 182 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Downfall of Mr. Jabez Stiffson by Herbert Jenkins
- 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 The Downfall of Mr. Jabez Stiffson?
- 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
- The Small Bachelor by P. G. Wodehouse
- A Comedy In Rubber by O. Henry
- Mr Gupperducks Mishap by Herbert Jenkins
- The Actor Manager by Harry Graham
- A Double Barrelled Ghost by Israel Zangwill
- The Little Nugget by P. G. Wodehouse
Genres
- Comedy — The narrative is driven by humorous situations, misunderstandings, and witty dialogue, creating a comedic atmosphere.
- Farce — The exaggerated and improbable events, such as mistaken identities and slapstick elements, align with the characteristics of farce.
- Satire — The story uses humor and irony to critique social norms and human behavior, particularly in the context of marriage and societal expectations.
- Drama — Underlying the comedic elements are dramatic tensions, particularly in the relationships between characters, adding depth to the narrative.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Comedy · Farce · Victorian Era · English Literature · Novel · Humor · Irony · Sarcasm · Class Satire · Upper Class