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Cover of From the Angle of Seventeen

From the Angle of Seventeen

Written by Eden Phillpotts

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London (England)AuntsClerksTeenagers

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About this book

"From the Angle of Seventeen" by Eden Phillpotts is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the life of a young boy named Corkey Major, who is on the brink of adulthood. As he transitions from school to the world of work, the narrative explores his thoughts, ambitions, and the challenges he faces as he secures a clerkship at the Apollo Fire Office in London. The opening of the book introduces us to Corkey, who is summoned to the Doctor's study and learns that he must leave school for a job. Despite his heady ambitions and dreams of a bright future, he feels a mix of excitement and reluctance as he prepares for this new chapter in his life. He grapples with the mixture of pride in securing a clerkship and the sorrow of leaving behind the familiarity of school and friends. The narrative sets the stage for Corkey's journey through London, revealing the bustling city life and the many eccentric characters he encounters, highlighting his naiveté and the harsh realities of adulthood as he navigates this pivotal time in his life.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in From the Angle of Seventeen, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • observational
  • coming-of-age

Eden Phillpotts' "From the Angle of Seventeen" chronicles the poignant transition of Corkey Major from the familiar confines of school to the daunting realities of early 20th-century London. On the cusp of adulthood, Corkey secures a clerkship at the Apollo Fire Office, a step that both excites his 'heady ambitions' and confronts him with the mundane and challenging aspects of professional life. The narrative meticulously details his journey, grappling with the bittersweet departure from his youth, the initial naiveté, and the subsequent encounters with London's bustling life and its array of eccentric inhabitants. Through Corkey's eyes, the novel explores universal themes of self-discovery, the clash between youthful idealism and pragmatic existence, and the profound experience of navigating a new, complex world.

“"The world, Corkey, is a larger school, and its lessons are often far less gentle than those you have learned here."”

Key themes

Coming-of-Age (Bildungsroman)
The central theme of the novel, exploring Corkey Major's journey from adolescence to young adulthood. It encompasses his emotional, intellectual, and social development as he transitions from the sheltered environment of school to the responsibilities of the working world in London.
Ambition vs. Reality
This theme explores the tension between Corkey's grand, 'heady ambitions' and the often mundane, challenging realities of his first job and life in the city. It delves into the process of adjusting expectations and finding fulfillment amidst less glamorous circumstances.
Urban Life and Society
The novel vividly portrays London as a dynamic and multifaceted character, exploring its bustling nature, its diverse inhabitants, and its impact on the individual. It examines how the city shapes Corkey's experiences and perceptions, highlighting both its opportunities and its challenges.

Worth discussing

How does Phillpotts portray London as a character in itself, and what role does it play in Corkey's development?

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