What Every Woman Knows

Name: What Every Woman Knows
Author: James Matthew Barrie

The play revolves around Maggie Wylie, a young woman from a poor family who marries the wealthy Willie Mackenzie to secure her sister's future. As she navigates her new life, Maggie must balance her own desires with her responsibilities and societal expectations. The story explores themes of love, class, and identity as Maggie struggles to find her place in the world.

By James Matthew Barrie · First published 1908 · Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance · 4 chapters · 33,943 words

First lines

James Wylie is about to make a move on the dambrod, and in the little Scotch room there is an awful silence befitting the occasion. James with his hand poised -- for if he touches a piece he has to play it, Alick will see to that -- raises his red head suddenly to read Alick's face. His father, who is Alick, is pretending to be in a panic lest James should make this move. James grins heartlessly, and his fingers are about to close on the 'man' when some instinct of self-preservation makes him peep once more. This time Alick is caught: the unholy ecstasy on his face tells as plain as porridge that he has been luring James to destruction. James glares; and, too late, his opponent is a simple old father again. James mops his head, sprawls in the manner most conducive to thought in the Wylie family, and, protruding his underlip, settles down to a reconsideration of the board. Alick blows out his cheeks, and a drop of water settles on the point of his nose.

What this Textopian page supports

What Every Woman Knows is listed on Textopian as a play by James Matthew Barrie, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Social Commentary
Length: 33,943 words
Structure: 4 chapters, 1,483 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for What Every Woman Knows by James Matthew Barrie
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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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 book is primarily a comedic play, focusing on humorous situations and character interactions.
Drama — It contains dramatic elements, exploring themes of love, ambition, and societal roles.
Romance — The narrative includes romantic relationships and explores the dynamics between the characters.
Social Commentary — The work critiques and reflects on societal norms and gender roles of the time.