The Mission of Mr. Eustace Greyne
In "The Mission of Mr. Eustace Greyne," Mrs. Eustace Greyne, a successful novelist, feels the weight of her latest literary project, which requires her husband, Eustace, to embark on a mission to Algeria. She needs him to gather material for her book, "Catherine's Repentance," which will explore themes of sin and human frailty. Eustace, who has lived a sheltered life under his wife's influence, is surprised and apprehensive about the journey, especially since it involves venturing into the native quarters of Algiers. Meanwhile, Mademoiselle Verbena, their French governess, seeks permission to return to Paris due to her mother's grave illness. The story juxtaposes the domestic concerns of the Greynes with the broader themes of exploration and the quest for artistic authenticity, highlighting the complexities of marriage, ambition, and the sacrifices made for art.
By Robert Hichens · First published 1901 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Drama · 7 chapters · 24,639 words
First lines
Mrs. Eustace Greyne (pronounced Green) wrinkled her forehead -- that noble, that startling forehead which had been written about in the newspapers of two hemispheres -- laid down her American Squeezer pen, and sighed. It was an autumn day, nipping and melancholy, full of the rustle of dying leaves and the faint sound of muffin bells, and Belgrave Square looked sad even to the great female novelist who had written her way into a mansion there. Fog hung about with the policeman on the pavement. The passing motor cars were like shadows. Their stertorous pantings sounded to Mrs. Greyne's ears like the asthma of dying monsters. She sighed again, and murmured in a deep contralto voice: "It must be so. " Then she got up, crossed the heavy Persian carpet which had been bought with the proceeds of a short story in her earlier days, and placed her forefinger upon an electric bell.
What this Textopian page supports
The Mission of Mr. Eustace Greyne is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert Hichens, dated 1901 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Robert Hichens
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
- Length: 24,639 words
- Structure: 7 chapters, 621 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Mission of Mr. Eustace Greyne by Robert Hichens
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of morality, identity, and human experience through rich character development and prose.
- Philosophical Fiction — It delves into philosophical questions regarding purpose and existence, particularly through the character of Mr. Eustace Greyne.
- Drama — The narrative contains dramatic elements, focusing on interpersonal conflicts and emotional struggles.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques societal norms and values, reflecting on the human condition and societal expectations.
Tags
adventure · mystery · drama · romance · historical · literature · character study · psychological · society · conflict · exploration · identity