The Black Poodle
The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her hometown after being away for several years. She becomes involved with a group of people who are trying to uncover the truth behind a mysterious death that occurred in the past. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers secrets and lies that have been hidden for years, threatening to destroy the very fabric of the community.
By Thomas Anstey Guthrie · First published 1884 · Genre: Comedy, Satire, Fiction · 13,081 words
First lines
I have set myself the task of relating in the course of this story, without suppressing or altering a single detail, the most painful and humiliating episode in my life.
I do this, not because it will give me the least pleasure, but simply because it affords me an opportunity of extenuating myself which has hitherto been wholly denied to me.
What this Textopian page supports
The Black Poodle is listed on Textopian as a novella by Thomas Anstey Guthrie, dated 1884 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Thomas Anstey Guthrie
- Date: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Satire, Fiction, Romance, Tragedy
- Length: 13,081 words
- Structure: 1 section, 237 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Black Poodle 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 The Black Poodle?
- How does this novella by Thomas Anstey Guthrie fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- At A Dance by Thomas Anstey Guthrie
- Love Among The Lions by F. Anstey
- At A Garden Party by Thomas Anstey Guthrie
- The Bath Comedy by Egerton Castle
- The Impromptu Charade Party by Thomas Anstey Guthrie
- Brunette And Blanchidine by Thomas Anstey Guthrie
Genres
- Comedy — The book employs humor through the protagonist's misadventures and misunderstandings, particularly surrounding the poodle and social interactions.
- Satire — It critiques social norms and human behavior, especially regarding the absurdity of the protagonist's situation and the obsession with pets.
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional account of the protagonist's life and experiences, focusing on personal relationships and societal expectations.
- Romance — The protagonist's feelings for Lilian and the obstacles posed by the poodle create a romantic subplot.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Social commentary · 19th century literature · British literature · Comedy of manners · Upper class · High society · Marriage · Love triangle · Deception · Mystery