Free Speech by Thomas Anstey Guthrie
The novel explores the tension between individual freedom and social responsibility through the story of a young woman who challenges the conventions of her aristocratic family and society. She falls in love with a man from a lower social class, which leads to conflict and ultimately tragedy. The novel critiques the social hierarchy and the limited options available to women during that time period.
By Thomas Anstey Guthrie · First published 1906 · Genre: Political Satire, Drama, Social Commentary · 1,829 words
First lines
SCENE -- _An Open Space. Rain falling in torrents. An Indignation Meeting is being held to protest against the Royal Grants. The Chairman presides at a small portable reading-desk, generally alluded to as The "Nostrum"; a ring of more or less Earnest Radicals, under umbrellas, surround him. Speakers address the Meeting in rapid succession; a Man with a red flag gives it a sinister wave at any particularly vigorous expression. Her Gracious Majesty the Queen is repeatedly described as "this mis-rubble ole bein'," an Archbishop is invariably mentioned as an "Arch-rogue," while the orators and the audience appear from their remarks to be the only persons capable of worthily guiding this unhappy Country's destinies. Policemen in couples look on from a distance and smile indulgently._
Similar titles
- The Statesman by Hilaire Belloc
- Thanksgiving Remarks by O. Henry
- A Good Prince by Max Beerbohm
- Reid The Candidate by Eugene Field
- The Reasonable Press by Hilaire Belloc
- More Radical Ideas Upon Dress Reform by Oscar Wilde
Genres
- Political Satire — The book critiques political figures and societal issues through humor and exaggeration, highlighting the absurdities of political discourse.
- Drama — The work is structured as a play, featuring dialogue and characters engaged in a public meeting, emphasizing conflict and social commentary.
- Social Commentary — It addresses themes of class struggle, free speech, and the rights of the working class, reflecting societal tensions of the time.
- Comedy — The use of humor and irony throughout the dialogue serves to entertain while also provoking thought on serious issues.
Tags
Censorship · Freedom of Expression · Political Satire · Social Commentary · Humor · Irony · Wit · Sarcasm · Critique of Society · Morality · Ethics · Philosophy
What this Textopian page supports
Free Speech is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas Anstey Guthrie, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas Anstey Guthrie
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Satire, Drama, Social Commentary, Comedy, Historical Fiction
- Length: 1,829 words
- Structure: 1 section, 32 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Free Speech 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