The Child by Jerome K. Jerome (1928)
The novel revolves around a young girl's journey to self-discovery and independence. It explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and the struggles of adolescence. The story is told through the child's perspective, offering an intimate look at her inner world and emotional growth.
By Jerome K. Jerome · First published 1928 · Genre: Satire, Humor, Social Commentary · 2,151 words
First lines
It is nice and quiet and it talks prettily.
We have come across real infants now and then in the course of visits to married friends; they have been brought to us from outlying parts of the house and introduced to us for our edification; and we have found them gritty and sticky. Their boots have usually been muddy, and they have wiped them up against our new trousers. And their hair has suggested the idea that they have been standing on their heads in the dust-bin.
What this Textopian page supports
The Child is listed on Textopian as a novel by Jerome K. Jerome, dated 1928 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Jerome K. Jerome
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Humor, Social Commentary, Essay, Fiction
- Length: 2,151 words
- Structure: 1 section, 45 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Child by Jerome K. Jerome
- 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 Child?
- How does this novel by Jerome K. Jerome fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Sentimental Tommy by J. M. Barrie
- Phoebe Junior by Margaret Oliphant
- The Heroine by K. Jerome
- Charioteer by Hilda Doolittle
- The Foundling by Leo Tolstoy
- The End Of It by Josephine Daskam Bacon
Genres
- Satire — The work humorously critiques societal perceptions of children, particularly the idealized 'stage child' versus real children.
- Humor — The writing employs comedic elements and exaggeration to entertain while discussing the challenges of parenthood.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on family dynamics and societal expectations regarding children and parenting.
- Essay — The structure resembles an essay, presenting observations and opinions rather than a narrative story.
Tags
Coming-of-age · Psychological fiction · Literary novel · Family drama · Childhood trauma · Emotional abuse · Parent-child relationships · Identity crisis · Self-discovery · Mental health · Trauma recovery · Inner turmoil