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That Which Hath Wings: A Novel of the Day

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About this book

"That Which Hath Wings: A Novel of the Day" by Richard Dehan is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the lives of Francis, Viscount Norwater, and his wife Margot, who navigate the trials and tribulations of their newlywed life just before the onset of World War I. Their passionate romance is juxtaposed against societal expectations and Miss Margot's struggle with the idea of motherhood which complicates their relationship. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Franky and Margot on the occasion of their wedding in January 1914. The narrative captures their vibrant courtship, set against the backdrop of a glamorous but superficial social scene. Yet, their idyllic life takes a drastic turn as Margot grapples with the implications of impending motherhood and societal pressure, leading to poignant conversations between the couple. This opening sets the stage for the exploration of love, societal norms, and the looming shadows of war that threaten to reshape their lives.
Language
English
Publisher
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Unknown
Downloads
869

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A clearer way to understand That Which Hath Wings: A Novel of the Day through themes, characters, and key ideas

This reading guide highlights what stands out in That Which Hath Wings: A Novel of the Day through 4 core themes, 2 character profiles, and 1 chapter-level idea. It is meant to help readers decide whether the book fits their taste and deepen the reading once they begin.

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About this book

A quick AI guide to “That Which Hath Wings: A Novel of the Day

Get the shape of the book before you commit: what it is about, what mood it carries, and what ideas readers tend to stay with afterward.

~8h readintermediateromanticpoignanthistorical

What the book is doing

“That Which Hath Wings: A Novel of the Day” by Richard Dehan is an early 20th-century novel set in January 1914, just before the outbreak of World War I. The story centers on the passionate romance and subsequent trials of newlyweds Francis, Viscount Norwater, and his wife Margot. Their vibrant courtship and idyllic life within a glamorous, albeit superficial, social scene are quickly challenged by Margot's profound struggle with the concept of impending motherhood and the weight of societal expectations. The narrative explores the complexities of their relationship through poignant conversations, juxtaposing their personal dilemmas against the ominous backdrop of a world on the brink of war, thereby examining love, societal norms, and the fragility of peace.

Key Themes

Motherhood and Female Agency

This is a central theme, explored through Margot's profound struggle with the idea of impending motherhood. It delves into the societal pressures on women in the early 20th century to fulfill traditional roles, particularly procreation, and how these expectations clash with individual desires or anxieties. The theme questions the extent of female autonomy and the personal cost of conforming versus resisting.

Love, Marriage, and Reality

The novel begins with a 'passionate romance' and an 'idyllic life,' suggesting an exploration of how idealized love and marriage confront the realities of life, personal struggles, and external pressures. It examines whether love is enough to overcome profound personal conflicts and societal demands, and how a relationship matures beyond initial infatuation.

A line worth noting
No specific quotes are available from the provided summary. However, based on the description, key quotes would likely include poignant dialogues between Francis and Margot about their future and Margot's feelings on motherhood, reflections on the superficiality of their social circle, and foreshadowing remarks about the impending global conflict.
A good discussion starter

How does the novel portray the societal expectations placed upon women, particularly regarding marriage and motherhood, in early 20th-century England?

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