The Hirelings by Israel Zangwill
The novel revolves around the lives of a group of Jewish immigrants who arrive in England seeking better opportunities. They are exploited by their employers and struggle to maintain their cultural identity amidst poverty and hardship. The story explores themes of class, identity, and social justice through the experiences of these characters.
By Israel Zangwill · First published 1907 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction · 5 chapters · 6,643 words
First lines
Crowded as was the steamer with cultured Americans invading Europe, few knew that Rozenoffski was on board, or even that Rozenoffski was a pianist. The name, casually seen on the passengers' list, conveyed nothing but a strong Russian and a vaguer Semitic flavour, and the mere outward man, despite a leonine head, was of insignificant port and somewhat shuffling gait, and drew scarcely a second glance.
He would not have had it otherwise, he told himself, as he paced the almost deserted deck after dinner -- it was a blessing to escape from the perpetual adulation of music-sick matrons and schoolgirls -- but every wounded fibre in him was yearning for consolation after his American failure.
What this Textopian page supports
The Hirelings is listed on Textopian as a novel by Israel Zangwill, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Israel Zangwill
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction, Historical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 6,643 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 111 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Hirelings 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Hirelings?
- How does this novel by Israel Zangwill fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Evolution by John Galsworthy
- The Model Of Sorrows by Israel Zangwill
- Domestic Peace by Honore De Balzac
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative focuses on character development, social commentary, and explores complex themes such as identity and cultural assimilation.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques societal attitudes towards Jews and the superficiality of American high society.
- Psychological Fiction — The protagonist's internal struggles and emotional journey are central to the narrative.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, it reflects the social and cultural dynamics of the time.
Tags
Social Commentary · Realism · Literary Fiction · Philosophical Themes · Class Struggle · Marriage · Family Dynamics · Morality · Ethics · Societal Critique · Victorian Era · London Setting