A Matter of Taste
The novel revolves around the theme of social class and its effects on personal relationships. It explores how people from different backgrounds interact with each other, highlighting their prejudices and biases. The story follows a young woman who navigates her way through high society, encountering various characters who embody different aspects of the upper class. Through her experiences, the novel critiques the social conventions that govern the lives of the wealthy elite.
By Thomas Anstey Guthrie · First published 1931 · Genre: Romantic Fiction, Social Commentary, Comedy · 16,165 words
First lines
PART I
It is a little singular that, upon an engagement becoming known and being discussed by the friends and acquaintances of the persons principally concerned, by far the most usual tone of comment should be a sorrowing wonder. That particular alliance is generally the very last that anybody ever expected. 'What made him choose _her_, of all people,' and 'What on earth she could see in _him_,' are declared insoluble problems. It is confidently predicted that the engagement will never come to anything, or that, if such a marriage ever does take place, it is most unlikely to prove a success.
What this Textopian page supports
A Matter of Taste is listed on Textopian as a novel by Thomas Anstey Guthrie, dated 1931 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Thomas Anstey Guthrie
- Date: 1931 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romantic Fiction, Social Commentary, Comedy, Character Study, Victorian Literature
- Length: 16,165 words
- Structure: 1 section, 324 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Matter of Taste by Thomas Anstey Guthrie
- 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 A Matter of Taste?
- How does this novel by Thomas Anstey Guthrie fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romantic Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romantic Fiction — The central plot revolves around the romantic engagement between Ella Hylton and George Chapman, exploring themes of love, societal expectations, and personal choices.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms and expectations regarding marriage and relationships, highlighting the judgments and perceptions of friends and family.
- Comedy — The book employs humor in the interactions between characters, particularly in the misunderstandings and social dynamics surrounding the engagement.
- Character Study — The story delves into the personalities and motivations of the main characters, particularly Ella and George, revealing their complexities and growth.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Social commentary · Foodie fiction · Culinary adventure · Coming of age · Self-discovery · Family drama · Relationships · Marriage · Infidelity · Adultery