A Good-For-Nothing
The novel revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after years abroad and becomes embroiled in the lives of those he left behind. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy and disillusionment, particularly regarding his family's expectations and societal norms. Through his experiences, the protagonist grapples with themes of identity, morality, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. His relationships with others are complex and multifaceted, reflecting the nuances of human connection and the difficulties of forming genuine bonds. The narrative explores the tension between individual desire and social responsibility, as well as the consequences of one's actions on oneself and those around them. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced portrayal of the human condition, highlighting both the beauty and the ugliness that exists within it.
By Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen · First published 1883 · Genre: Fiction, Bildungsroman, Social Commentary · 5 chapters · 13,944 words
First lines
RALPH GRIM was born a gentleman. He had the misfortune of coming into the world some ten years later than might reasonably have been expected. Colonel Grim and his lady had celebrated twelve anniversaries of their wedding-day, and had given up all hopes of ever having a son and heir, when this late-comer startled them by his unexpected appearance. The only previous addition to the family had been a daughter, and she was then ten summers old.
What this Textopian page supports
A Good-For-Nothing is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen, dated 1883 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Bildungsroman, Social Commentary, Romance, Adventure
- Length: 13,944 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 183 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Good-For-Nothing by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen
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- 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 A Good-For-Nothing?
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Genres
- Fiction — The book is primarily a work of fiction, focusing on narrative storytelling and character development.
- Bildungsroman — The story follows the protagonist's personal growth and development, a key characteristic of the Bildungsroman genre.
- Social Commentary — The narrative includes elements of social critique, reflecting on societal norms and issues.
- Romance — There are romantic elements within the plot, contributing to the character dynamics and story progression.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Danish Literature · 19th Century Novel · Anti-Hero · Comedy of Manners · Critique of Society · Morality Tale · Coming-of-Age Story · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis · Class Satire