A Modern Instance
Enriched edition. A Realist Portrait of a Woman's Struggle with Marriage, Class Constraints, and Personal AgencyBy William Dean Howells
Length18h 16m
About this audiobook
In William Dean Howells' novel 'A Modern Instance', we are taken on a journey through the life of a young woman named Marcia Gaylord who is trapped in a loveless marriage. Howells' realistic and straightforward writing style captures the essence of 19th-century American realism, shedding light on the moral dilemmas and societal constraints faced by women of the time. The novel's exploration of class differences, marriage, and personal agency makes it a significant work in the literary canon of the era. Howells' attention to detail and nuanced character development make 'A Modern Instance' a compelling and thought-provoking read. William Dean Howells, a prominent figure in the realist movement, was known for his social commentary and keen observations of American life. His own experiences as an editor and critic likely influenced his writing of this novel, which critiques the social norms and values of his time. 'A Modern Instance' is recommended to readers interested in 19th-century American literature, women's studies, and social realism, offering a poignant portrait of a woman's struggle for independence.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 3.8 (701)
Includes Goodreads, Amazon, StoryGraph, LibraryThing
GenreAction and Adventure, General Fiction
Length18 hrs 16 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateJul 4, 2017
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1THE LEATHERWOOD GOD
11A Modern Instance (pt. 2)
2A Chance Acquaintance
12A Modern Instance (pt. 3)
3The Pioneer Women Trilogy: The Coast of Bohemia, Dr. Breen's Practice & Annie Kilburn
13A Modern Instance (pt. 4)
4The March Family Trilogy
14A Modern Instance (pt. 5)
5INDIAN SUMMER
15A Modern Instance (pt. 6)
Show all chaptersShow less
6Introduction
16A Modern Instance (pt. 7)
7Synopsis
17Analysis
8Historical Context
18Reflection
9Author Biography
19Memorable Quotes
10A Modern Instance (pt. 1)
The Pumpkin Glory & Other Christmas StoriesWilliam Dean Howells3h 2m$1.99 · $0.00
A Pair of Patient LoversWilliam Dean Howells8h 28m3.2 (35)$1.99 · $0.00
AN OPEN-EYED CONSPIRACYWilliam Dean Howells4h 16m$1.99 · $0.00
William Dean Howells: 27 Novels in One Volume (Illustrated)William Dean Howells249h 29m4.6 (13)$1.99 · $0.00
THE LEATHERWOOD GODWilliam Dean Howells7h 18m3.6 (269)$1.99 · $0.00
The Pioneer Women Trilogy: The Coast of Bohemia, Dr. Breen's Practice & Annie KilburnWilliam Dean Howells23h 54m$1.99 · $0.00
The Flight of Pony Baker (Illustrated Edition)William Dean Howells5h 45m$1.99 · $0.00
The Complete Travel Books of W.D. Howells (Illustrated Edition)William Dean Howells66h 39m$1.99 · $0.00
INDIAN SUMMERWilliam Dean Howells12h 14m3.8 (906)$1.99 · $0.00
A Pair of Patient Lovers (Unabridged)William Dean Howells8h 30m3.3 (34)$1.99 · $0.00
A Chance Acquaintance (Unabridged)William Dean Howells6h 43m3.8 (24)$1.99 · $0.00
A MODERN INSTANCE (American Classics Series)William Dean Howells16h 56m3.8 (1.1K)$1.99 · $0.00
The Leatherwood God (Historical Novel)William Dean Howells5h 53m3.6 (275)$1.99 · $0.00
An Open-Eyed Conspiracy (Unabridged)William Dean Howells4h 16m$1.99 · $0.00
A Traveler from Altruria & Through the Eye of the Needle (Dystopian Classics) (Annotated)William Dean Howells15h 27m$2 · $0.00
William Dean Howells: 27 Novels in One Volume (Illustrated) (Annotated)William Dean Howells248h 40m$2 · $0.00
William Dean Howells - Premium Collection: 27 Novels in One Volume (Illustrated) (Annotated)William Dean Howells249h 52m4.5 (12)$2 · $0.00
Christmas Every Day & Other Christmas Stories by William Dean Howells (Annotated)William Dean Howells3h 10m3.9 (424)$2 · $0.00
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