"The Massarenes" by Ouida is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the newly wealthy Massarene family as they navigate the complexities of high society in England, grappling with the challenges of social standing and acceptance. Central characters include Margaret Massarene, a lonely figure struggling to fit into upper-class society, and her ambitious husband, William Massarene, who seeks to elevate their status despite their humble beginnings. The
opening of the novel introduces the Massarene family in a lavish yet isolating environment, showcasing Margaret's attempts to engage with the elite while highlighting her insecurities. At a resort in Homburg, she observes Lady Kenilworth, who epitomizes the social grace and connections that Margaret desires. The narrative depicts Margaret’s longing for acceptance amidst her blunders and misunderstandings in this new world, particularly in her interactions with the seemingly aloof individuals around her. This initial glimpse sets the tone for themes of ambition, social hierarchy, and the struggle for belonging that unfold as the Massarenes seek to establish themselves among the elite. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Tim Lindell, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Reading Level
Reading ease score: 78.1 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
