The Chimney-Sweeper's Wife
The story revolves around a young woman who marries a chimney sweep and becomes pregnant with their first child. She struggles to cope with the harsh realities of her husband's profession and the poverty that comes with it. The narrative explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the difficulties faced by working-class women in the late 19th century.
By Hjalmar Soderberg · First published 1908 · Genre: Tragedy, Realism, Drama · 2,655 words
First lines
This is a grim and sad story. I heard it told more than once in my childhood, and it made me wonder and shudder.
What this Textopian page supports
The Chimney-Sweeper's Wife is listed on Textopian as a novella by Hjalmar Soderberg, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Hjalmar Soderberg
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Tragedy, Realism, Drama, Psychological Fiction, Romance
- Length: 2,655 words
- Structure: 1 section, 44 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Chimney-Sweeper's Wife by Hjalmar Soderberg
- 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 Chimney-Sweeper's Wife?
- How does this novella by Hjalmar Soderberg fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Tragedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Darling by Anton Chekhov
- Verotchka by Anton Chekhov
- A Piece Of Steak by Jack London
- A Womam Of Thirty by Honore De Balzac
- The Marriage Contract by Honore De Balzac
Genres
- Tragedy — The narrative centers on themes of love, loss, and the destructive nature of jealousy, culminating in a tragic outcome.
- Realism — The story presents a stark portrayal of social dynamics and human emotions, reflecting the harsh realities of life.
- Drama — The intense interpersonal conflicts and emotional struggles among characters drive the plot forward.
- Psychological Fiction — The characters' internal motivations and psychological states are explored, particularly in relation to envy and pride.
Tags
Literary Fiction · Swedish Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Marriage · Family Dynamics · Class Struggle · Industrialization · Urban Life · Poverty · Domesticity · Feminist Themes