A World of Troubles by Oliver Optic
The narrative revolves around the domestic life of Thomas and Mary Butler, a couple facing marital discord due to Mary's constant complaints and negative outlook on life. Mary, overwhelmed by household duties and the care of their child, often grumbles about her hardships, which strains her relationship with Thomas. Despite Thomas's suggestions to hire help, Mary refuses, fearing judgment from others and believing she should manage on her own. Thomas, frustrated by the incessant complaints, begins to avoid home, leading to a night where he returns drunk, carried by watchmen. This incident shocks Mary, who realizes the potential consequences of her behavior on their marriage and family. The fear of becoming a drunkard's wife and the associated miseries prompts Mary to promise a change in her attitude. Thomas, acknowledging his own fault, pledges to abstain from drinking if Mary can maintain a positive disposition. The couple agrees to support each other, with Mary striving to be content and Thomas vowing sobriety. Over time, Mary's efforts to cultivate a cheerful and contented demeanor transform their home into a place of happiness and love, preventing the descent into alcoholism and familial ruin. The story highlights the impact of attitude on relationships and the potential for personal change to avert disaster, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and understanding in marriage.
By Oliver Optic · First published 1854 · Genre: Domestic Fiction, Realist Fiction, Social Criticism · 3 chapters · 4,050 words
First lines
"I am so glad you have come, Thomas! " exclaimed Mrs. Butler, a pale, care-worn young wife, as her husband entered the room in which she had prepared the evening meal.
"Why, what is the matter _now_? " returned the husband, laying a wicked emphasis upon the word "now," as though he meant to imply that there always was something the matter.
What this Textopian page supports
A World of Troubles is listed on Textopian as a short story by Oliver Optic, dated 1854 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Oliver Optic
- Date: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Domestic Fiction, Realist Fiction, Social Criticism, Historical Fiction, Moralistic/Didactic Fiction
- Length: 4,050 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 142 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A World of Troubles by Oliver Optic
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Domestic Fiction — The narrative centers on domestic life, highlighting marital strife, household duties, and the intricacies of family relationships.
- Realist Fiction — The text offers a detailed portrayal of everyday hardships and realistic human behavior, emphasizing the mundane trials of life.
- Social Criticism — Through the exploration of gender roles and domestic expectations, the work critiques societal norms and economic pressures of its time.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and language reflect a past era, providing insight into 19th-century domestic and social life.
Tags
adventure · youth-fiction · action · conflict · coming-of-age · mystery · resilience · courage · quest · journey · suspense · heroism