The Jervaise Comedy

Name: The Jervaise Comedy
Author: J.D. Beresford

The novel explores the decline of a middle-class family through the eyes of its patriarch, who struggles to maintain his dignity and status in the face of economic hardship and social change. The story is a commentary on the British class system and the effects of industrialization on traditional values.

By J.D. Beresford · First published 1912 · Genre: Comedy, Social Commentary, Romance · 15 chapters · 79,118 words

First lines

When I was actually experiencing the thrill, it came delightfully, however, blended with a threat that proclaimed the imminent consequence of dismay. I appreciated the coming of the thrill, as a rare and unexpected "dramatic moment. " I savoured and enjoyed it as a real adventure suddenly presented in the midst of the common business of life. I imaginatively transplanted the scene from the Hall of Thorp-Jervaise to a West-End theatre; and in my instant part of unoccupied spectator I admired the art with which the affair had been staged. It is so seldom that we are given an opportunity to witness one of these "high moments," and naturally enough I began instinctively to turn the scene into literature; admitting without hesitation, as I am often forced to admit, that the detail of reality is so much better and more typical than any I can invent.

What this Textopian page supports

The Jervaise Comedy is listed on Textopian as a novel by J.D. Beresford, dated 1912 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: J.D. Beresford
Date: 1912 CE
Language: English
Genres: Comedy, Social Commentary, Romance, Drama, Literary Fiction
Length: 79,118 words
Structure: 15 chapters, 1,688 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Jervaise Comedy by J.D. Beresford
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Jervaise Comedy?
How does this novel by J.D. Beresford fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Comedy — The narrative is centered around humorous situations and social satire.
Social Commentary — The book explores and critiques social norms and class distinctions.
Romance — Romantic relationships and their complications are central to the plot.
Drama — The story involves dramatic interpersonal conflicts and emotional developments.