A Corner in Lines by P. G. Wodehouse
The story revolves around a group of students at Locksley School who start a business selling pre-written lines to their classmates. The idea is that they will write the lines for others, and then sell them at a markup. The main characters are Dunstable and Linton, who are the organizers of the business. Initially, the business seems to be going well, with orders pouring in from all over the school. However, things take a turn when Merrett, a rival student, tries to start his own competing business. He writes a prospectus and starts selling lines, but his business is short-lived as Appleby, one of the masters at the school, discovers him and puts an end to it. Merrett's defeat leads to a confrontation between him and Linton, who had been involved in the original business. The two engage in a physical fight, with Linton emerging victorious. Meanwhile, Dunstable is summoned by Mr. Appleby, one of the masters at the school, who has discovered the existence of the Locksley Lines Supplying Trust, Ltd. Appleby is amused by the prospectus and decides to take action against the business. He orders Dunstable to write 800 lines and then tear them up in front of him. The story ends with the destruction of the Locksley Lines Supplying Trust, Ltd., and the main characters are left to ponder their next move. The themes of the story include entrepreneurship, competition, and the consequences of one's actions. The story also explores the idea of how quickly a business can go from being successful to failing due to external factors. The tone of the story is lighthearted and humorous, with a touch of satire. The author uses irony and exaggeration to poke fun at the idea of students starting a business selling pre-written lines. The story also has a sense of absurdity, particularly in the scene where Merrett tries to start his own competing business. The characters in the story are well-developed and relatable. Dunstable and Linton are portrayed as clever and resourceful, while Merrett is shown to be arrogant and vindictive. Mr. Appleby is depicted as a humorous and fair-minded master who sees the humor in the situation but still takes action against the business. Overall, the story is an entertaining and thought-provoking tale that explores the complexities of entrepreneurship and the consequences of one's actions.
By P. G. Wodehouse · First published 1907 · Genre: Comedy, Fiction, Satire · 5,562 words
First lines
Of all the useless and irritating things in this world, lines are probably the most useless and the most irritating. In fact, I only know of two people who ever got any good out of them. Dunstable, of Day's, was one, Linton, of Seymour's, the other. For a portion of one winter term they flourished on lines. The more there were set, the better they liked it. They would have been disappointed if masters had given up the habit of doling them out.
What this Textopian page supports
A Corner in Lines is listed on Textopian as a novella by P. G. Wodehouse, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: P. G. Wodehouse
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Fiction, Satire
- Length: 5,562 words
- Structure: 1 section, 140 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Corner in Lines by P. G. Wodehouse
- 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Corner in Lines?
- How does this novella by P. G. Wodehouse fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Notes by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Man With Two Left Feet by P. G. Wodehouse
- Bradshaws Little Story by P. G. Wodehouse
- Ahead Of Schedule by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Rough Stuff by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Autograph Hunters by P. G. Wodehouse
Genres
- Comedy — P.G. Wodehouse is known for his humorous, witty writing style characterised by comical scenarios and nuance.
- Fiction — Given Wodehouse’s narrative style and chosen subject matter, his works usually fall into the broader category of fiction.
- Satire — Wodehouse often includes elements of satire in his novels, poking fun at institutions and conventions of his time.
Tags
humor · satire · comedy · British literature · short stories · witty · lighthearted · social commentary · character-driven · romantic · absurdity · dialogue