The Admirable Crichton

Name: The Admirable Crichton
Author: James Matthew Barrie

The story revolves around the Earl of Loam's family and their loyal butler, Crichton. The family is on a yacht when it sinks, leaving them stranded on a deserted island with only Crichton to care for them. Initially, the family treats Crichton poorly, but as time passes, they come to rely on him heavily. Crichton's character undergoes significant development throughout the novel. He begins by maintaining his dignity and adhering to traditional butler etiquette despite the challenging circumstances. However, he eventually adapts to the island environment and becomes a skilled hunter and provider for the family. The Earl of Loam's children learn valuable lessons about responsibility and class distinctions during their time on the island. The novel explores themes of social hierarchy, morality, and personal growth as Crichton proves himself to be an admirable figure who earns the respect of his former employers. Ultimately, the story concludes with the family being rescued, but they are forever changed by their experiences on the island.

By James Matthew Barrie · First published 1902 · Genre: Comedy, Social Commentary, Adventure · 4 chapters · 32,452 words

First lines

A moment before the curtain rises, the Hon. Ernest Woolley drives up to the door of Loam House in Mayfair. There is a happy smile on his pleasant, insignificant face, and this presumably means that he is thinking of himself. He is too busy over nothing, this man about town, to be always thinking of himself, but, on the other hand, he almost never thinks of any other person. Probably Ernest's great moment is when he wakes of a morning and realises that he really is Ernest, for we must all wish to be that which is our ideal. We can conceive him springing out of bed light-heartedly and waiting for his man to do the rest. He is dressed in excellent taste, with just the little bit more which shows that he is not without a sense of humour: the dandiacal are often saved by carrying a smile at the whole thing in their spats, let us say. Ernest left Cambridge the other day, a member of The Athenaeum (which he would be sorry to have you confound with a club in London of the same name).

What this Textopian page supports

The Admirable Crichton is listed on Textopian as a play by James Matthew Barrie, dated 1902 CE.

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

Work type: Play
Author: James Matthew Barrie
Date: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Comedy, Social Commentary, Adventure, Romance, Satire
Length: 32,452 words
Structure: 4 chapters, 1,314 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Work identity for The Admirable Crichton by James Matthew Barrie
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Admirable Crichton?
How does this play by James Matthew Barrie fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Comedy — The play is primarily a comedic work, focusing on humorous situations and character interactions.
Social Commentary — It explores themes of class and social hierarchy, critiquing the British class system.
Adventure — The plot involves a shipwreck and survival on a deserted island, elements typical of adventure stories.
Romance — There are romantic elements and relationships that develop among the characters.