The Little Revenge
The narrative follows two women, Mary and her younger cousin Sally, as they embark on a summer trip to Clovelly, a picturesque village in Devonshire. The story begins with a chance encounter where Sally loses her hat, prompting a sailor to retrieve it. This sailor, Cary, is charming and athletic, and Sally is immediately taken with him. As they engage with Cary, Sally expresses her desire to hire him for a sailing trip, which Mary finds impulsive and risky. As they explore the coastal beauty, the bond between the two women deepens, with Mary reflecting on her past and the loss of her own love during the Civil War. Sally's youthful exuberance and admiration for the sailor's charm contrast with Mary's more reserved demeanor. The narrative captures their adventures on the sea, where Sally becomes enchanted by the history of the area, particularly the tales of Sir Richard Grenville and the Spanish Armada. The plot thickens when Cary reveals that he is not just a common sailor but actually Richard Leigh, a man of noble lineage. This revelation comes after a near-accident at sea, where Sally and Cary share a moment of intimacy that complicates their relationship. The arrival of Anne Ford, a wealthy and beautiful cousin, adds tension, as she is drawn to Richard and represents the societal expectations that Sally feels she cannot meet. As the story unfolds, Sally grapples with her feelings for Richard, torn between her admiration for his noble heritage and her own insecurities about her social status. Richard, on the other hand, is captivated by Sally's spirit and authenticity, leading to a romantic tension that culminates in a heartfelt confession of love. The climax occurs when Richard proposes to Sally, affirming that his feelings are genuine and not merely a product of their shared adventures. The narrative concludes with a sense of hope and renewal, as Sally embraces her feelings for Richard, and Mary reflects on the enduring nature of love, drawing parallels between her past and the budding romance of her cousin. Overall, the work explores themes of love, social class, and the transformative power of adventure, set against the backdrop of a rich historical landscape. The characters' interactions reveal their inner struggles and desires, ultimately leading to a resolution that celebrates the beauty of love in its many forms.
By Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews · First published 1910 · Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 13,129 words
First lines
Suddenly a gust of fresh wind caught Sally's hat, and off it flew, a wide-winged pink bird, over the old, old sea-wall of Clovelly, down among the rocks of the rough beach, tumbling and jumping from one gray stone to another, and getting so far away that, in the soft violet twilight, it seemed as lost as any ship of the Spanish Armada wrecked long ago on this wild Devonshire coast.
"Oh! " cried Sally distractedly, and clapped her hands to her head with the human instinct to shut the stable door after the horse is gone. "Oh! " she cried again; "my pretty hat! And _oh_! it's in the water!"
What this Textopian page supports
The Little Revenge is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction
- Length: 13,129 words
- Structure: 1 section, 174 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Little Revenge by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
- 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 Little Revenge?
- How does this novel by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Magpie Over The Hill by John Galsworthy
- The Patrician by John Galsworthy
- Indian Summer Of A Forsyte by John Galsworthy
- The First And Last by John Galsworthy
- The Pitfall by Mary Cholmondeley
- Riding In Mist by John Galsworthy
Genres
- Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic relationship between Sally and Cary, exploring themes of love, attraction, and emotional connection.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative incorporates historical references, particularly to the Spanish Armada and Devonshire's maritime history, enriching the setting and context.
- Adventure — The characters engage in sailing and exploration, with elements of risk and excitement associated with their maritime activities.
- Coming-of-Age — Sally's character experiences growth and self-discovery throughout the story, reflecting her transition from youth to maturity.
Tags
Revenge Tragedy · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Morality Play · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Domestic Fiction · Victorian Era · English Literature · Realism · Satire