La Beguine by Marcus Clarke (1871)
The narrative follows Horatius Marston, a schoolboy who encounters Fanny Robinson, known as La Béguine, a young woman abandoned by her lover, Teddy Donnington. Fanny, dressed elegantly yet in distress, confides in Horatius about her plight. Despite her questionable lifestyle, she possesses a childlike innocence that captivates him. As they walk through the streets of London, Fanny reveals her despair over Donnington's departure and her refusal to return home, despite having a place to stay. Horatius, feeling a mix of sympathy and attraction, attempts to persuade her to reconsider her choices. Fanny's background is revealed to be troubled; she has no supportive family and feels trapped in her current situation. Horatius, influenced by his wild relatives and the allure of Bohemia, decides to help Fanny. He writes to her stepfather, Mr. Jonas Crampton, seeking assistance, but receives a cold response that further alienates Fanny from her past. In a moment of impulsive rebellion, they decide to escape to Paris, using borrowed money to fund their adventure. In Paris, they experience a carefree existence, reveling in the city's charm and their youthful freedom. However, their funds dwindle quickly, and Fanny's extravagant spending habits exacerbate their financial woes. Despite the impending return to reality, they enjoy their time together, embodying the innocence of youth. Eventually, they return to London, where Horatius must face the consequences of his actions and the reality of his life. Fanny, now a fashionable figure in society, becomes the subject of admiration and envy, yet her past haunts her. The story culminates in a tragic revelation of Fanny's fate, highlighting the harsh judgments of society and the consequences of living outside its norms. The narrative serves as a critique of societal values, exploring themes of morality, the fleeting nature of youth, and the harsh realities faced by women in a patriarchal society. It underscores the idea that societal acceptance often comes at a significant personal cost, leaving readers to ponder the true nature of virtue and redemption.
By Marcus Clarke · First published 1871 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Romance · 4,020 words
First lines
"GOOD gracious! " said I, "what are you doing here? " She was a childlike little creature, having brown hair and brown eyes. She was dressed in black silk, and wore a white lace veil tied in a quaint, coquettish way over her head. She looked up and recognised me.
"Donnington's gone away," she said, simply, "and I don't know what to do."
What this Textopian page supports
La Beguine is listed on Textopian as a short story by Marcus Clarke, dated 1871 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Marcus Clarke
- Date: 1871 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Romance, Coming-of-Age, Drama
- Length: 4,020 words
- Structure: 1 section, 51 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for La Beguine by Marcus Clarke
- 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 La Beguine?
- How does this short story by Marcus Clarke 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 book explores complex themes of morality, society, and personal relationships through rich character development and narrative style.
- Social Commentary — It critiques societal norms and the treatment of women, particularly in the context of morality and social acceptance.
- Romance — The relationship between the protagonist and Fanny Robinson is central to the plot, highlighting themes of love, loss, and emotional turmoil.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist's journey reflects the transition from youth to adulthood, marked by experiences that challenge his innocence and understanding of the world.
Tags
historical fiction · romance · 19th century · Australia · colonialism · cultural identity · love story · social issues · class struggle · adventure · female protagonist · betrayal