At a Garden Party
The story revolves around a group of people who attend a garden party at a wealthy family's estate. The novel explores themes of social class, morality, and personal relationships through the interactions and conversations among the guests.
By Thomas Anstey Guthrie · First published 1903 · Genre: Comedy, Satire, Drama · 2,119 words
First lines
SCENE -- _A London Lawn. A Band in a costume half-way between the uniforms of a stage hussar and a circus groom, is performing under a tree. Guests discovered slowly pacing the turf, or standing and sitting about in groups._
MRS. MAYNARD GERY (_to her_ _Brother-in-law_ -- _who is thoroughly aware of her little weaknesses_). Oh, Phil, -- you know everybody -- _do_ tell me! Who is that common-looking little man with the scrubby beard, and the very yellow gloves -- how does he come to be _here_?
What this Textopian page supports
At a Garden Party is listed on Textopian as a novel by Thomas Anstey Guthrie, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Satire, Drama, Theater, Social Commentary
- Length: 2,119 words
- Structure: 1 section, 57 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for At a Garden Party by Thomas Anstey Guthrie
- 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 At a Garden Party?
- How does this novel by Thomas Anstey Guthrie fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Comedy — The play features humorous situations and witty dialogue, focusing on social interactions and misunderstandings.
- Satire — It critiques social norms and pretensions of the upper class, highlighting the absurdities of their behavior.
- Drama — The work contains dramatic elements through character interactions and conflicts, particularly regarding social status and identity.
- Theater — As a play, it is designed for performance, emphasizing dialogue and stage directions.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Social commentary · Upper class · British society · Early 20th century · Comedy of manners · Wit · Irony · Marriage · Love triangle · Class distinction