The Spinster by Robert Hichens
The narrative unfolds at Inley Abbey, where the protagonist reunites with an old friend, Inley, and his wife, Lady Inley. During dinner, the tolling of a church bell signals the death of a local spinster, Miss Bassett, prompting a discussion about her life and character. Lady Inley dismisses Miss Bassett as a typical, emotionless old maid, while Inley reveals a deeper connection to her, suggesting she played a crucial role in saving his wife’s life during a past crisis. Inley recounts a troubling incident from two years prior involving his wife, Vere, and a close friend, Seymour Glynd. After a series of events, Inley suspects an affair between Vere and Glynd, leading to a moment of intense emotional turmoil. He describes a night when he intended to confront Vere and Glynd, armed with a revolver, but fate intervenes when he encounters Miss Bassett while waiting to execute his plan. Miss Bassett, unaware of Inley’s intentions, asks for help finding her cat, leading to an unexpected interaction. Inley, caught between his violent impulses and the old woman's innocence, ultimately loses his weapon to her cunning. The tension escalates as Inley realizes that Miss Bassett has outsmarted him, hiding the revolver and thwarting his plans. The story culminates in a revelation about Inley’s son, Hugo, who falls gravely ill, which serves as a turning point for Inley. He confronts Glynd, who claims that the child’s illness was a divine intervention that prevented Vere from leaving with him. Inley grapples with his emotions, reflecting on the complexities of love, betrayal, and the unexpected consequences of his actions. The narrative explores themes of societal expectations, the nature of love, and the hidden depths of seemingly mundane lives. Miss Bassett, initially portrayed as a mere caricature of a spinster, emerges as a pivotal figure whose actions inadvertently alter the course of Inley’s life. The story concludes with a somber acknowledgment of Miss Bassett’s passing, leaving the characters to confront their intertwined fates and the moral implications of their choices.
By Robert Hichens · First published 1910 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Drama · 6,202 words
First lines
I had arrived at Inley Abbey that afternoon, and was sitting at dinner with Inley and his pretty wife, whom I had not seen for five years, since the day I was his best man, when we all heard faintly the tolling of a church bell. Lady Inley shook her shoulders in a rather exaggerated shudder.
"Someone dead! " said her husband.
What this Textopian page supports
The Spinster is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert Hichens, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Gothic Fiction
- Length: 6,202 words
- Structure: 1 section, 163 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Spinster by Robert Hichens
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Spinster?
- How does this novel by Robert Hichens fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Daughter In Law by D. H. Lawrence
- The Prisoner Ellis Bell by Charlotte Bronte
- Presentiment Currer Bell by Charlotte Bronte
- The Lonely Bride by Fred M. White
- The Red Haired Girl A Wifes Story by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Cup by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of human emotions, relationships, and societal norms, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Psychological Thriller — The narrative involves suspenseful elements, including a potential murder plot and psychological tension between characters.
- Drama — The story delves into interpersonal conflicts and emotional struggles, typical of dramatic literature.
- Mystery — The plot centers around the mystery of Miss Bassett's fate and the underlying secrets of the characters.
Tags
romance · society · gender roles · Victorian era · female protagonist · independence · love · social norms · isolation · self-discovery · family dynamics · class struggle