The Crime 1920 by Max Beerbohm
The narrative unfolds in a solitary cottage during a stormy afternoon, where the protagonist grapples with feelings of isolation and unease. Surrounded by uninviting furnishings, particularly a collection of books, he reflects on his disinterest in crime, contrasting his morbid curiosity with the enthusiasm of self-proclaimed criminologists. As the weather worsens, he seeks distraction in literature, selecting a novel by a well-regarded female author, whose works he admires from a distance. The protagonist recalls a previous encounter with the author, marked by a sense of defeat in their intellectual exchange, which stirs a mix of admiration and resentment within him. He contemplates societal shifts regarding gender roles, particularly in writing, revealing his discomfort with women as professional authors. Despite his initial reluctance, he begins to read the novel, which describes a woman writing in a summer-house, but soon succumbs to an impulsive act of destruction. In a moment of unexpected rebellion, he burns the book, relishing the act as a crime that grants him a sense of power. The flames consume the pages, and he experiences a mix of satisfaction and horror as he realizes the vitality of the text he is destroying. His actions become increasingly frantic as he struggles to keep the fire alive, reflecting on the absurdity of his situation and the futility of his efforts. As the fire dies, he confronts the consequences of his actions, feeling the chill of the room and the weight of his wrongdoing. The narrative culminates in a moment of self-reflection, where he acknowledges the moral implications of his crime and the emptiness it brings. The protagonist's internal conflict highlights themes of isolation, gender dynamics, and the destructive nature of impulsive actions, ultimately leading to a profound sense of regret and introspection.
By Max Beerbohm · First published 1920 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Satire · 2,439 words
First lines
On a bleak wet stormy afternoon at the outset of last year's Spring, I was in a cottage, all alone, and knowing that I must be all alone till evening. It was a remote cottage, in a remote county, and had been 'let furnished' by its owner. My spirits are easily affected by weather, and I hate solitude. And I dislike to be master of things that are not mine. 'Be careful not to break us,' say the glass and china. 'You'd better not spill ink on me,' growls the carpet. 'None of your dog's-earing, thumb-marking, back-breaking tricks here! ' snarl the books.
What this Textopian page supports
The Crime 1920 is listed on Textopian as a short story by Max Beerbohm, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Max Beerbohm
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Satire, Drama, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 2,439 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Crime 1920 by Max Beerbohm
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Crime 1920?
- How does this short story by Max Beerbohm 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, identity, and the nature of crime through introspective narrative and character development.
- Psychological Fiction — The protagonist's internal conflict and reflections on crime and guilt highlight psychological depth and character motivation.
- Satire — The narrative critiques societal norms and attitudes towards authorship and gender roles, employing irony and humor.
- Drama — The tension and emotional stakes surrounding the act of destruction and the protagonist's moral dilemma create a dramatic atmosphere.
Tags
Mystery · Thriller · Crime Fiction · Historical Fiction · 1920s Setting · London Setting · Detective Story · Police Procedural · Whodunit · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Satire