The White Wife and the Brown 'Woman'
This novella explores themes of colonialism, racism, and the complexities of relationships between white men and women of color. The narrative revolves around a white woman who marries a man from a lower social class, while also engaging in an affair with a brown-skinned man. The story delves into the societal pressures and expectations placed on these characters, particularly the white woman, as she navigates her relationships and confronts the consequences of her choices. The novella critiques the racial hierarchies of the time, highlighting the power dynamics at play between colonizers and the colonized. Through its exploration of love, class, and identity, this work offers a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of human relationships in a colonial context.
By Louis Becke · First published 1887 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction · 6,050 words
First lines
Masters, the trader at Fana 'alu, was walking up the beach to his house, reading a letter which he had just received from the captain of a passing vessel. It was from his employers in Sydney, -- 'We are confident that Mrs Masters and yourself will do all you can to render the lady's stay at Fana 'alu agreeable to her. You will find her husband, our new supercargo, a very fine fellow, easy to get on with, and a thoroughly honourable and conscientious business man.'
'Here, Melanie, old woman, where are you? ' he called, as he flung himself lazily into a cane lounge on the verandah.
What this Textopian page supports
The White Wife and the Brown 'Woman' is listed on Textopian as a short story by Louis Becke, dated 1887 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Louis Becke
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama, Adventure
- Length: 6,050 words
- Structure: 1 section, 77 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The White Wife and the Brown 'Woman' by Louis Becke
- 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 The White Wife and the Brown 'Woman'?
- How does this short story by Louis Becke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Wife by Washington Irving
- A Marriage Settlement by Honore De Balzac
- William And Mary 1920 by Max Beerbohm
- At The Party by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- You Can Search Me by Hugh Mchugh
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity, cultural conflict, and personal relationships, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Romance — The narrative includes romantic elements, particularly the relationships between the characters and the emotional turmoil surrounding love and loss.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context reflect historical elements of colonialism and cultural interactions in the South Pacific.
- Drama — The story contains dramatic tensions and conflicts, particularly regarding personal relationships and societal expectations.
Tags
Colonialism · Racism · Marriage · Love · Society · Class · Identity · Culture · Power · Relationships · Family · History