The Principal Boy by Israel Zangwill

Name: The Principal Boy
Author: Israel Zangwill

The story revolves around a young woman who marries a man significantly older than her and becomes the stepmother to his children from a previous marriage. She struggles with her new role and the expectations placed upon her, particularly in regards to her relationship with her husband's son, who resents her presence in their lives.

By Israel Zangwill · First published 1892 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Social Commentary · 5 chapters · 5,439 words

First lines

To sit out a play is a bore; to sit out a dance demands less patience. Even when you do it merely to prevent your partner dancing with you, it is the less disagreeable alternative. But it sometimes makes you giddier than galoping. Frank Redhill lost his head -- a well-built head -- completely through indulging in it; and without the head to look after it, the heart soon goes. He held Lucy's little hand in his hot clasp. She wished he would get himself gloves large enough not to split at the thumbs, and felt quite affectionate towards the dear, untidy boy. As a woman almost out of her teens, she could permit herself a motherly feeling for a lad who had but just attained his majority. The little thing looked very sweet in a demure dress of nun's veiling, which Frank would have described as "white robes. " For he was only an undergraduate. Some undergraduates are past masters in the science and art of woman; but Frank was not in that set.

What this Textopian page supports

The Principal Boy is listed on Textopian as a novel by Israel Zangwill, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
Language: English
Genres: Romance, Drama, Social Commentary, Comedy, Coming-of-Age
Length: 5,439 words
Structure: 5 chapters, 93 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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How does this novel by Israel Zangwill fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Romance first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic relationship between Frank and Lucy, exploring themes of love, engagement, and the complexities of their relationship.
Drama — The narrative is driven by emotional conflicts, personal struggles, and dramatic revelations, particularly concerning Lucy's career and Frank's return.
Social Commentary — The story critiques societal norms and expectations, particularly regarding class, gender roles, and the pursuit of personal freedom versus societal obligations.
Comedy — There are elements of humor and irony, especially in the interactions between characters and the situations they find themselves in, such as the tea-party scene and Lucy's theatrical career.