King Pepin and Sweet Clive

Name: King Pepin and Sweet Clive
Author: Stanley J. Weyman

The narrative unfolds in the quaint town of Bicester, where the Dean, a dignified yet irritable cleric, finds himself embroiled in a conflict with Mr. Swainson, a wealthy lawyer and former mayor. The tension arises over a disputed plot of land adjacent to the cathedral, which Swainson claims as his own, much to the Dean's chagrin. The plot becomes a symbol of contention, as Swainson's determination to assert his rights leads to the installation of a croquet lawn, which the Dean deems sacrilegious. As the story progresses, the rivalry escalates, with Swainson's antics provoking the Dean's ire. The Dean's attempts to maintain decorum and authority are thwarted by Swainson's defiance, culminating in a series of humorous and absurd confrontations. The community of Bicester becomes engrossed in the spectacle, with both sides rallying support and engaging in increasingly petty skirmishes. Amidst the chaos, the Dean's daughter, known as Sweet Clive, becomes romantically involved with Swainson's son, Frank. Their secret meetings in the disputed plot add a layer of complexity to the conflict, as Clive's affections for Frank challenge her father's rigid stance against the Swainsons. The narrative explores themes of love, authority, and the absurdity of social conventions, as the characters navigate their relationships against the backdrop of the ongoing feud. The climax occurs during a heated meeting between the Dean, the Bishop, and their legal representatives, where tensions reach a boiling point. The revelation of Clive and Frank's romance serves as a turning point, prompting the Dean to reconsider his position. Ultimately, the resolution comes with the unexpected disappearance of the hoarding that had symbolized Swainson's defiance, leading to the marriage of Clive and Frank. The work concludes with a sense of reconciliation, as the characters learn to navigate their differences and embrace the complexities of love and community. The interplay between humor and social commentary highlights the absurdities of human behavior, leaving readers with a poignant reflection on the nature of conflict and resolution.

By Stanley J. Weyman · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Comedy, Romance · 6,563 words

First lines

Upon arriving at the middle of the Close the Dean stopped. He had been walking briskly, his chin from custom a little tilted, but his eyes beaming with condescension and goodwill, while an indulgent smile playing about the lower part of his face relieved its massive character. His walking-stick swung to and fro in a loose grasp, his feet trod the pavement of the precincts with the step of an owner, he felt the warmth of the sun, the balminess of the spring air, and somewhere at the back of his mind he was conscious of a vacant bishopric, and that he was the husband of one wife. In fine he presented the appearance of a contented, placid, unruffled dignitary, until he reached the middle of the Close. There, alas! the ferrel of his stick came to the ground with a thud, and the sweetness and light faded from his eyes as they rested upon Mr. Swainson's plot. The condescension and goodwill became conspicuous only by their absence. The Dean was undisguisedly angry; he disliked opposition as much as lesser men, and met with it more rarely. For Bicester is old-fashioned, and loves both Church and State, but especially the former, and looks up to principalities and powers, and even now, on account of a mistake he made, execrates the memory of a recreant Bicestrian, otherwise reputable. It was at a public dinner. "I remember," said this misguided man, "going in my young days to the old and beautiful cathedral of this city. (Great applause.) I was only a child then, and my head hardly rose above the top of the seat, but I remember I thought the Dean the greatest of living men. (Whirlwinds of applause.) Well (smiling), perhaps, I do not think quite that now. " (Dead silence.) And so dull at bottom may a man be whose name is known in half the capitals of Europe, that this degenerate fellow never guessed why the friends of his youth during the rest of the day turned their backs upon him.

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King Pepin and Sweet Clive is listed on Textopian as a short story by Stanley J. Weyman, dated 1894 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Stanley J. Weyman
Date: 1894 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Comedy, Romance, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
Length: 6,563 words
Structure: 1 section, 67 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex characters and social dynamics, focusing on themes of conflict, love, and societal expectations.
Comedy — The narrative employs humor and satire, particularly in the interactions between the Dean and Mr. Swainson, highlighting absurdities in their rivalry.
Romance — The relationship between Clive and Frank Swainson is central to the plot, showcasing themes of young love and familial opposition.
Social Commentary — The story critiques social hierarchies and the clash between tradition and modernity, particularly through the lens of the church and local governance.