Fond Hearts Askew by Max Beerbohm

Name: Fond Hearts Askew
Author: Max Beerbohm

The narrative unfolds in a whimsical, Edwardian setting, centering on the tumultuous relationship between Geoffrey Dizzard, a young Guardsman, and Lady Angelica Plantagenet, his betrothed. Their journey begins with a quarrel as they traverse London, revealing their complex emotions and the societal expectations surrounding them. Angelica is portrayed as a striking figure, both beautiful and enigmatic, while Geoffrey is depicted as handsome yet somewhat effeminate. Their contrasting personalities set the stage for a comedic exploration of love, desire, and identity. The story takes a turn when they attend a pantomime at Drury Lane Theatre, where Angelica becomes infatuated with the principal boy, a character played by the actress Tina Vandeleur, who embodies the idealized masculinity that captivates her. Geoffrey, meanwhile, finds himself drawn to the comedic character of the Widow Twankey, leading to a humorous exchange between the two as they navigate their respective crushes. In a bid to pursue their affections, they devise a plan to disguise themselves, with Angelica dressing as a boy and Geoffrey as a girl, to infiltrate the backstage world of the theatre. Their antics culminate in a chaotic encounter with the actors, resulting in misunderstandings and physical comedy. The tension escalates when Geoffrey is injured while defending Angelica from an aggressive actor, leading to a moment of vulnerability and care between the two. The narrative blends elements of farce and romance, exploring themes of gender roles, societal norms, and the nature of love. The characters' disguises serve as a metaphor for the masks people wear in society, highlighting the fluidity of identity and desire. The story concludes ambiguously, leaving the fate of the characters open to interpretation, with various possible outcomes suggested, including marriage, tragedy, or a return to their respective lives. Overall, the work is a playful yet insightful commentary on the complexities of love and the performative aspects of social interactions, set against a backdrop of theatricality and humor.

By Max Beerbohm · First published 1910 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romantic Comedy, Historical Fiction · 1,935 words

First lines

TO WILLIAM ROBERTSON NICOLL SAGE AND REVEREND AND A TRUE KNIGHT THIS ROMAUNT OF DAYS EDVARDIAN

PROLOGUE.

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Fond Hearts Askew is listed on Textopian as a short story by Max Beerbohm, dated 1910 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Max Beerbohm
Date: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Romantic Comedy, Historical Fiction, Satire, Drama
Length: 1,935 words
Structure: 1 section, 28 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Literary Fiction — The book features complex characters and explores themes of love, identity, and societal norms, characteristic of literary fiction.
Romantic Comedy — The plot revolves around romantic entanglements and humorous situations, typical of the romantic comedy genre.
Historical Fiction — Set in the Edwardian era, the narrative incorporates historical context and social commentary relevant to the time.
Satire — The work employs wit and irony to critique societal conventions and behaviors, aligning it with satirical literature.