The Unhappiness of Miss Farquhar
This novel revolves around the life of a young woman who feels trapped and unfulfilled in her marriage to a man she does not love. She struggles with feelings of resentment and frustration, which are exacerbated by societal expectations placed upon her. The story explores themes of love, duty, and personal identity as Miss Farquhar navigates her complicated relationships with those around her. Her experiences serve as a commentary on the limited options available to women during this time period. Throughout the novel, the protagonist's inner turmoil is contrasted with the external pressures she faces from family, friends, and society at large. This tension ultimately leads to a dramatic confrontation that forces Miss Farquhar to re-evaluate her priorities and make difficult choices about her future.
By Lucy Maud Montgomery · First published 1909 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Coming-of-Age · 4,400 words
First lines
Frances Farquhar was a beauty and was sometimes called a society butterfly by people who didn't know very much about it. Her father was wealthy and her mother came of an extremely blue-blooded family. Frances had been out for three years, and was a social favourite. Consequently, it may be wondered why she was unhappy.
What this Textopian page supports
The Unhappiness of Miss Farquhar is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lucy Maud Montgomery, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Coming-of-Age, Women's Fiction, Social Realism
- Length: 4,400 words
- Structure: 1 section, 79 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Unhappiness of Miss Farquhar by Lucy Maud Montgomery
- 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 Unhappiness of Miss Farquhar?
- How does this short story by Lucy Maud Montgomery fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Millionaires Proposal by Lucy Maud Montgomery
- The Dissipation Of Miss Ponsonby by Lucy Maud Montgomery
- Margarets Patient by Lucy Maud Montgomery
- The Bride Roses by Lucy Maud Montgomery
- The Softening Of Miss Cynthia by Lucy Maud Montgomery
- Miss Madelines Proposal by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex emotional themes, character development, and social commentary, typical of literary fiction.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around Frances's romantic disappointment and her evolving relationships, particularly with Elliott Sherwood.
- Coming-of-Age — Frances undergoes personal growth and self-discovery throughout the narrative, marking her transition from heartbreak to empowerment.
- Women's Fiction — The story focuses on female experiences, emotions, and societal expectations, highlighting women's roles and challenges.
Tags
Romance · Fiction · Novel · Canadian Literature · 19th Century Setting · Social Commentary · Marriage · Love Story · Female Protagonist · Coming of Age · Small Town Life · Family Dynamics