Nancy Nicholson, the Termagant
The narrative follows the life of Nancy Nicholson, born in 1785 in Drax, Yorkshire, as the only child of a vicar. Indulged and uneducated, she grows into a domineering and tyrannical woman. After marrying Rev. John Nicholson, her harshness becomes evident, leading to a troubled household where she mistreats her husband, their orphaned niece, and the schoolboys under their care. As the vicar's wife, Nancy's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and abusive, leading to the deterioration of their marriage. She engages in various dishonest activities, including stealing from neighbors and exploiting the schoolboys for her gain. Her husband, a kind and gentle man, suffers humiliation due to her actions, ultimately leading to his emotional and physical breakdown. After losing their school, the couple moves to a new house, where Nancy's cruelty continues unabated. Their relationship deteriorates further, culminating in a violent quarrel that leads to their separation. Nancy moves into a house of her own, where she continues her manipulative and avaricious behavior, even after her husband's death in 1850. In her later years, Nancy becomes increasingly isolated, engaging in petty disputes and exhibiting a relentless pursuit of wealth. Despite her wealth, she remains miserly and unkind, refusing to reward those who have helped her. Her life is marked by a series of failed attempts to secure a position as a housekeeper, revealing her delusions of grandeur and inability to adapt to her circumstances. As she ages, her health declines, and she becomes more reclusive. She eventually dies in 1854, leaving behind a will that reflects her selfishness, as she bequeaths her wealth to distant relatives while neglecting those who cared for her. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked ambition, cruelty, and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of human relationships.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1895 · Genre: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction · 17,756 words
First lines
Mrs. Nancy Nicholson[20] was born at Drax, in the county of York, on the 3rd day of May, 1785, and was the only child of the Rev. John Jackson, vicar of Drax, by his second wife. Mr. Jackson had a son by a former marriage, but he was taken by his mother's relatives into Cumberland; consequently the daughter, Nancy, was the only child at home, and from her infancy was indulged to a fault, and suffered to grow up without restraint, so that she soon became a terror to the other children in the school of which her father was the master.[21]
What this Textopian page supports
Nancy Nicholson, the Termagant is listed on Textopian as a novella by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1895 CE.
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- Work type: Novella
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Comedy, Social Commentary
- Length: 17,756 words
- Structure: 1 section, 180 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Fiction — The book is a narrative work that tells a story with fictional characters and events.
- Literary Fiction — It explores complex themes and character development, focusing on the human experience.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context may reflect historical elements relevant to the time period.
- Comedy — The term 'Termagant' suggests elements of humor and satire in character portrayal.
Tags
Nancy Nicholson · Termagant · Sabine Baring-Gould · fiction · 19th century · British literature · female protagonist · social commentary · character study · drama · romance · identity