Edgar, the Choir Boy Uncelestial
The novel revolves around Edgar, a young choir boy who possesses an otherworldly voice. He becomes the center of attention at his church and is eventually discovered by a wealthy patron who seeks to exploit his talent for financial gain. As Edgar's fame grows, so does his sense of self-importance and detachment from reality. His relationships with those around him become increasingly superficial, and he begins to lose touch with his own identity. The novel explores themes of vanity, materialism, and the corrupting influence of power, as Edgar becomes trapped in a world of luxury and excess.
By Josephine Daskam Bacon · First published 1921 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Humor · 6,047 words
First lines
You all know how they look in the pictures-enlarged photogravures, mostly: they have appealing violet eyes and drooping mouths and oval faces. They tip their heads back and to the side, and there is usually a broad beam of light falling across their little official nighties. People frame them in Flemish oak and hang them over the piano, and little girls long to resemble them.
What this Textopian page supports
Edgar, the Choir Boy Uncelestial is listed on Textopian as a novel by Josephine Daskam Bacon, dated 1921 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Josephine Daskam Bacon
- Date: 1921 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Humor, Drama, Social Commentary
- Length: 6,047 words
- Structure: 1 section, 112 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Edgar, the Choir Boy Uncelestial by Josephine Daskam Bacon
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Edgar, the Choir Boy Uncelestial?
- How does this novel by Josephine Daskam Bacon fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of identity, ambition, and the nuances of childhood, focusing on character development and emotional depth.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist's journey reflects the challenges and growth associated with adolescence, particularly in the context of music and social dynamics.
- Humor — The writing style incorporates wit and comedic elements, particularly in the interactions between characters and the absurdity of situations.
- Drama — The story contains dramatic elements, particularly in the choir setting and the conflicts that arise from personal and social expectations.
Tags
Coming-of-age · Literary Fiction · Mystery · Psychological Thriller · Small-town Life · Family Secrets · Guilt and Shame · Trauma · Memory · Identity Crisis · Social Hierarchy · Class Conflict