A Successful Operation by Israel Zangwill
The novel revolves around the life of a Jewish doctor who returns to his homeland after years abroad and becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships with various characters, including a Christian woman and a Jewish revolutionary. As he navigates these relationships, the doctor's own identity and sense of belonging are challenged, leading him to question the nature of his existence and his place within the larger community. Throughout the novel, themes of identity, nationality, and morality are explored in depth, raising questions about the role of individuals within society and the consequences of their actions.
By Israel Zangwill · First published 1902 · Genre: Drama, Tragedy, Realism · 1,576 words
First lines
Robert came home, anxious and perturbed. For the first time since his return from their honeymoon he crossed the threshold of the tiny house without a grateful sense of blessedness.
"What is it, Robert? " panted Mary, her sweet lips cold from his perfunctory kiss.
Similar titles
- Champagne by Anton Chekhov
- Domestic Peace by Honore De Balzac
- The Rake Off by O. Henry
- Petty Troubles Of Married Life Part Ii by Honore De Balzac
- The Other Bed by E. F. Benson
- A Troublesome Visitor by Anton Chekhov
Genres
- Drama — The narrative focuses on intense emotional and relational conflicts, particularly within a family dealing with illness and sacrifice.
- Tragedy — The story concludes with a tragic twist, as the child is born blind, adding a layer of inevitable misfortune.
- Realism — The writing style and plot are grounded in realistic depictions of everyday life and human struggles.
- Domestic Fiction — The plot centers around family dynamics and domestic settings, highlighting personal and household challenges.
Tags
Social Commentary · Satire · Comedy · Jewish Literature · London Setting · 19th Century Fiction · Anti-Semitism · Societal Critique · Class Satire · Economic Satire · Medical Profession · Hospital Setting
What this Textopian page supports
A Successful Operation is listed on Textopian as a novella by Israel Zangwill, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Israel Zangwill
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Tragedy, Realism, Domestic Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 1,576 words
- Structure: 1 section, 31 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Successful Operation by Israel Zangwill
- 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