The Waiting Supper by Thomas Hardy
"The Waiting Supper" is a short story by Thomas Hardy that revolves around a rural couple, the narrator and his wife, who are preparing for a supper that is meant to welcome a guest. The story explores themes of anticipation, social class, and the complexities of human relationships. As they wait, the couple reflects on their lives, their hopes, and the nature of their relationship. The narrative builds tension as the guest's arrival is delayed, leading to a deeper examination of their emotions and the significance of the supper itself. The story concludes with a poignant realization about the passage of time and the impact of unfulfilled expectations.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1891 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Realism · 8 chapters · 22,102 words
First lines
Whoever had perceived the yeoman standing on Squire Everard's lawn in the dusk of that October evening fifty years ago, might have said at first sight that he was loitering there from idle curiosity. For a large five-light window of the manor-house in front of him was unshuttered and uncurtained, so that the illuminated room within could be scanned almost to its four corners. Obviously nobody was ever expected to be in this part of the grounds after nightfall.
What this Textopian page supports
The Waiting Supper is listed on Textopian as a novella by Thomas Hardy, dated 1891 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Realism, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
- Length: 22,102 words
- Structure: 8 chapters, 433 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Waiting Supper by Thomas Hardy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Waiting Supper?
- How does this novella by Thomas Hardy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes and character development typical of literary fiction.
- Drama — The narrative involves intense emotional situations and interpersonal conflicts.
- Realism — The story reflects realistic settings and social issues relevant to the time period.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal norms and human behavior.
Tags
Tragic Love Story · Victorian Era · Social Class · Marriage · Isolation · Loneliness · Disillusionment · Fate vs. Free Will · Morality · Ethics · Sacrifice · Self-Discovery