The Accommodation Bill.
The narrative unfolds in early 19th-century Yorkshire, centering on James Hornby, a man consumed by bitterness and revenge after being publicly humiliated by Henry Burton at a horse race twenty-three years prior. Following the death of his wealthy uncle, Hornby returns to his village, where he is perceived as a reclusive and embittered figure. The story reveals Hornby's obsession with the past, particularly his failed courtship of Elizabeth Gainsford, who married Burton instead. Hornby’s life is marked by a deep-seated desire for vengeance against Burton, whom he blames for his misfortunes. As Hornby settles into his inheritance, he becomes increasingly fixated on the idea of ruining Burton, who is struggling financially. Burton, desperate to repay a mortgage, approaches Hornby for a loan, but Hornby refuses, relishing the power he holds over his rival. In a twist of fate, Burton attempts to secure a loan using a bill of exchange that Hornby supposedly signed. However, Hornby has not signed it, and when the bill is presented at the bank, it is revealed to be a forgery. Burton is arrested and faces trial for the crime, while Hornby revels in the unfolding drama, confident that his rival will be convicted. As the trial progresses, Burton maintains his innocence, and the courtroom drama intensifies. In a moment of desperation, he calls Hornby to testify, demanding that he acknowledge the truth of the bill. Hornby, however, remains silent, embodying the coldness of his character. Just as the trial seems to be concluding with a conviction, a woman named Mary McGrath, Hornby’s housekeeper, bursts into the courtroom. She reveals that she witnessed Hornby sign the bill and had been coerced into silence by him. Her testimony turns the tide, leading to Burton's acquittal. The aftermath sees Burton celebrated upon his return home, while Hornby, filled with regret and guilt, disappears from public life. He ultimately meets a tragic end in a theater collapse, where he dies expressing remorse for his actions. In a final act of redemption, he bequeaths his wealth to the family of the man he sought to destroy, signifying a complex interplay of revenge, guilt, and the possibility of forgiveness.
By Samuel Warren · First published 1859 · Genre: Drama, Thriller, Gothic Fiction · 5,678 words
First lines
Such of the incidents of the following narrative as did not fall within my own personal observation, were communicated to me by the late Mr. Ralph Symonds, and the dying confessions of James Hornby, one of the persons killed by the falling in of the iron roof of the Brunswick Theatre. A conversation the other day with a son of Mr. Symonds, who has been long settled in London, recalled the entire chain of circumstances to my memory with all the vivid distinctness of a first impression.
What this Textopian page supports
The Accommodation Bill. is listed on Textopian as a novel by Samuel Warren, dated 1859 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Samuel Warren
- Date: 1859 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Thriller, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 5,678 words
- Structure: 1 section, 87 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Accommodation Bill. by Samuel Warren
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Accommodation Bill.?
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Genres
- Drama — The narrative centers around intense emotional conflicts, personal struggles, and moral dilemmas, characteristic of dramatic literature.
- Thriller — The plot involves suspenseful elements, including deception, a wrongful accusation, and a trial, creating a sense of tension and urgency.
- Gothic Fiction — The themes of revenge, despair, and the psychological torment of the characters align with Gothic elements.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and events are rooted in a specific historical context, reflecting societal norms and legal practices of the time.
Tags
law · legislation · politics · government · society · justice · rights · debate · policy · reform · historical · drama