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Cover of The Apple of Discord

The Apple of Discord

Written by Earle Ashley Walcott

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San Francisco (Calif.)

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About this book

"The Apple of Discord" by Earle Ashley Walcott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a fierce feud between two influential families, the Kendricks and the Boltons, in a developing San Francisco. The narrative follows Hampden, a fledgling attorney, who becomes embroiled in the conflict as he is drawn into secretive dealings and power struggles involving both families. The opening of the novel introduces Colonel Wharton Kendrick, who seeks the help of Hampden to investigate the activities of his rival, Peter Bolton. The chapter sets the stage for a complicated web of intrigue, betrayal, and violence as Kendrick suspects Bolton may be plotting against him. As Hampden embarks on this secretive task, he experiences an immediate threat to his life from a mysterious attacker, ultimately revealing the tensions of the familial feud that will unfold throughout the story. The narrative cleverly mixes elements of personal drama, law, and socio-political commentary, hinting at a rich exploration of character motivations and deeper societal themes.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Apple of Discord, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 9 hours
  • intermediate
  • tense
  • mysterious
  • intricate

Earle Ashley Walcott's "The Apple of Discord" plunges into the tumultuous world of early 20th-century San Francisco, chronicling the bitter rivalry between the powerful Kendrick and Bolton families. The narrative centers on Hampden, a nascent attorney whose professional life swiftly becomes entangled in the deep-seated animosity and secretive power plays of these two dynasties. Hired by Colonel Wharton Kendrick to investigate his rival, Peter Bolton, Hampden quickly finds himself caught in a web of intrigue, betrayal, and violence, experiencing a direct threat to his life early on. The novel skillfully weaves together elements of personal drama, the legal system, and socio-political commentary, offering a rich exploration of human motivations and the broader societal forces at play amidst the city's rapid development.

“The discord between the Kendricks and the Boltons was not merely a quarrel; it was the very air San Francisco breathed, thick with the dust of old grievances.”

Key themes

Family Feud and Legacy
The central theme revolves around the destructive, long-standing rivalry between the Kendrick and Bolton families. It explores how inherited animosity can consume generations, shaping individual destinies and impacting the social and political landscape of a community. The 'apple of discord' itself directly references this theme.
Power and Corruption
The novel critically examines how power, particularly economic and political influence, can be wielded to manipulate legal systems and societal structures. It highlights the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition and the lengths individuals will go to maintain or gain dominance.
Justice and Morality
Through Hampden's journey, the novel explores the elusive nature of justice in a world dominated by personal vendettas and corruption. It questions whether true justice can be achieved when powerful individuals manipulate the law, and it delves into the moral compromises characters are forced to make.

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How does the setting of early 20th-century San Francisco contribute to the novel's themes of power and urban development?

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