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Cover of The green hat

The green hat

Written by Michael Arlen

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Love storiesGreat BritainEurope

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About this book

"The Green Hat" by Michael Arlen is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character of Iris Storm, a captivating woman who enters the life of the narrator on the eve of his new beginning, bringing with her an air of mystery and complexity that seems to challenge the mundane realities of life. The novel explores themes of love, identity, and existential angst, all while offering a glimpse into the tumultuous relationships between its characters. At the start of the narrative, the protagonist, who is preparing to move to a new flat in London, encounters Iris Storm, the enigmatic sister of his friend, Gerald March, who is depicted as a struggling writer consumed by alcohol. Their interaction sets the tone for a series of introspective dialogues, as Iris grapples with her own identity and familial ties, while the protagonist reflects on his life filled with disarray. Iris's green hat becomes a symbol of her vibrant, yet troubled, nature, and the discourse highlights her struggles with societal expectations and personal desires. This opening effectively introduces the central conflict of the story, establishing a foundation for the exploration of complex human emotions and connections.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The green hat, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • mysterious
  • romantic
  • melancholy

Michael Arlen's "The Green Hat" is a poignant exploration of love, identity, and societal judgment set against the backdrop of 1920s London. The narrative follows the enigmatic Iris Storm, a captivating woman whose scandalous past and vibrant personality challenge the conservative norms of her era. Through the eyes of the detached narrator, Napier Harpenden, the novel unravels the truth behind Iris's tragic reputation, revealing a complex character driven by profound loyalty and a desperate search for authentic connection. It is a story of a woman ahead of her time, ultimately crushed by the very society she sought to defy, leaving a lasting impression of beauty, sorrow, and unfulfilled desires.

“"It is not enough to be alive, one must also be living."”

Key themes

Societal Hypocrisy and Judgment
This theme explores how London's upper-class society ruthlessly judges and ostracizes individuals who deviate from its rigid moral codes, particularly women. Iris Storm becomes a scapegoat for the era's anxieties and inconsistencies, as society prefers scandal and gossip over truth and empathy. The novel critiques the superficiality and cruelty inherent in such a system, where appearance and reputation outweigh genuine character.
Identity and Self-Sacrifice
The novel deeply examines Iris Storm's struggle to forge and maintain her identity in the face of overwhelming societal pressure. Her decision to sacrifice her reputation to protect Major Chase's honor defines much of her life. This theme questions the cost of such sacrifice, how it shapes one's sense of self, and whether true identity can ever be known when it's obscured by societal narratives and personal burdens.
Love, Loss, and Disillusionment
At its heart, "The Green Hat" is a tragic love story, or rather, a series of them, all shadowed by profound loss. It explores the complexities of different forms of love – passionate, sacrificial, unrequited – and the disillusionment that often follows in a post-WWI world. The characters, particularly Iris and Gerald, grapple with a sense of emptiness and a yearning for genuine connection that frequently eludes them, reflecting the broader 'Lost Generation' sentiment.

Worth discussing

Discuss Iris Storm's role as a 'modern woman' in the 1920s. How did society's expectations clash with her personal desires and actions?

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