Jilted! , Volume Iii

Name: Jilted! , Volume Iii
Author: W. Clark Russell

A comic, picaresque narrative of amorous misadventures and domestic folly, set in upper‐class, provincial England, the work traces the shifting affections of a young man whose heart is torn between two female cousins. Initially, he is infatuated with one cousin, whose neglect of his letters and coolness lead him to suspect ingratitude and fickleness. Despite his passionate declarations, he acknowledges that his youthful ardor is fickle and driven more by physical admiration than by depth of sentiment. During his travels and visits, he finds both solace and stimulus in his constant companionship with the other cousin. Her witty, well‐read, and sensible conversation provides not only lively amusement but also a gradual reawakening of genuine feelings. Their exchanges are marked by light irony and an unpretentious honesty that contrasts sharply with the extravagant, inconsistent passions that had previously characterized his love life. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when the first cousin, the subject of his earlier passion, elopes with a modest bank clerk. The scandal and turmoil that ensue disturb the family: parents lament the loss of a beloved daughter, while relatives engage in heated debates about honor, propriety, and the nature of true affection. Amid the uproar—colorful dinners, comedically disastrous domestic scenes, and a string of sharply observed family quarrels–the elopement is recast not entirely as a tragedy but as an event replete with farcical elements and bittersweet irony. As the family slowly adapts to their scandalous situation, the narrator reflects on how the painful experience has stripped away his earlier illusions about love. He comes to see that his former passion was shaped by transient attractions and shallow admiration. In contrast, his growing attachment to the other cousin is depicted as more steady and sincere. Her gentle humor, forthright nature, and thoughtful conversation win him over, prompting him to reconsider what it means to love truly. Throughout the work, the narrative is interspersed with ironic commentary on contemporary social customs, the contradictions of youthful ardor in contrast with mature affection, and a wry critique of society’s preoccupation with reputation and appearance. The author’s style is conversational and satirical, employing playful language and elaborate, sometimes self-mocking digressions that reveal not only the fickleness of the heart but also the absurdity of societal expectations regarding courtship and marriage. The story traverses a broad canvas—from the exhilaration and vanity of first infatuations to the corrosive effects of family interference and scandal, and finally to the possibility of redemption through a more disciplined, if unexpected, love. In the final stages, the narrator embarks on a new relationship with his agreeable and sensible cousin. Their engagement is portrayed with both tender affection and a humorous awareness of the absurdities surrounding matrimonial arrangements. Even as family members bicker over dowries, proper etiquette, and the correct public display of happiness, the narrator finds a measure of relief in rejecting his former, capricious passion for a steadier, more genuine attachment. Ultimately, the work offers a multifaceted exploration of love, infidelity, forgiveness, and the bittersweet irony of human relationships. It challenges the simplistic notion of passion while celebrating the messy, unpredictable, and often farcical nature of romance and family life, leaving open the question of whether any lasting moral or truth can be distilled from such tangled affairs.

By W. Clark Russell · First published 1879 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure · 8 chapters · 41,278 words

First lines

"What's the use of snivelling, And worrying and drivelling? Sure you might give over now, And get another lover. " _A Chorus._

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Jilted! , Volume Iii is listed on Textopian as a novella by W. Clark Russell, dated 1879 CE.

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Work type: Novella
Author: W. Clark Russell
Date: 1879 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Nautical Fiction, Drama
Length: 41,278 words
Structure: 8 chapters, 684 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — Set against a detailed historical backdrop, the narrative reflects period-specific social dynamics and customs.
Romance — The title and themes suggest a focus on love, betrayal, and emotional conflicts between characters.
Adventure — The work includes elements of excitement and daring sequences, characteristic of adventure narratives.
Nautical Fiction — Given the author's background, subtle maritime references and settings likely influence the narrative.