The Sleeping-Car, a farce By: William Dean Howells (1837-1920)
In William Dean Howells' The Sleeping-Car, readers are plunged into a hilarious and chaotic tale set on a train journey. Known for his wit and satirical writing style, Howells delivers a farce that leaves readers thoroughly entertained. The story revolves around a diverse group of passengers onboard a sleeping-car, each presenting their own quirks and idiosyncrasies. As the train hurtles through the night, an unexpected twist of events forces these individuals to interact in amusing and unexpected ways. Howells masterfully weaves together various subplots, highlighting the absurdities of human behavior when confined within tight quarters. One of the most captivating aspects of The Sleeping-Car is Howells' razor-sharp wit. Through his clever dialogue and comical situations, he skillfully exposes the contradictions and absurdities of society. Whether it is the pompous businessman, the gossiping ladies, or the amorous young lovers, each character is richly drawn and serves as a satirical mirror reflecting our own societal flaws. Moreover, Howells' ability to sustain humor throughout the narrative is commendable. From slapstick comedy to clever wordplay, the author adeptly employs a variety of comedic techniques, ensuring that readers will find themselves chuckling and giggling at every page. The situations become increasingly uproarious as misunderstandings and miscommunications multiply, causing chaos and delight in equal measure. At its core, The Sleeping-Car is a light-hearted romp that never takes itself too seriously. While the characters may often be exaggerated or caricatured, their idiosyncrasies serve as a vehicle for social commentary. Howells explores human foibles and societal conventions, poking fun at the pretensions and absurd expectations of his era. Overall, The Sleeping-Car is a delightful farce that showcases William Dean Howells' comedic genius. Its clever dialogue, amusing characters, and subtle social critique make it an enjoyable read for those seeking light-hearted entertainment. For anyone in need of a good laugh, this book is a must-read that will leave readers grinning from ear to ear. First Page: THE SLEEPING CAR A FARCE by William D. Howells I. SCENE: One side of a sleeping car on the Boston and Albany Road. The curtains are drawn before most of the berths; from the hooks and rods hang hats, bonnets, bags, bandboxes, umbrellas, and other travelling gear; on the floor are boots of both sexes, set out for THE PORTER to black. THE PORTER is making up the beds in the upper and lower berths adjoining the seats on which a young mother, slender and pretty, with a baby asleep on the seat beside her, and a stout old lady, sit confronting each other MRS. AGNES ROBERTS and her aunt MARY. MRS. ROBERTS. Do you always take down your back hair, aunty? AUNT MARY. No, never, child; at least not since I had such a fright about it once, coming on from New York. It's all well enough to take down your back hair if it is yours; but if it isn't, your head's the best place for it. Now, as I buy mine of Madame Pierrot MRS. ROBERTS. Don't you wish she wouldn't advertise it as human hair? It sounds so pokerish like human flesh, you know. AUNT MARY. Why, she couldn't call it in human hair, my dear. MRS. ROBERTS (thoughtfully). No just hair . AUNT MARY. Then people might think it was for mattresses. But, as I was saying, I took it off that night, and tucked it safely away, as I supposed, in my pocket, and I slept sweetly till about midnight, when I happened to open my eyes, and saw something long and black crawl off my bed and slip under the berth... Continue reading book >>

The Sleeping-Car, a farce By: William Dean Howells (1837-1920)

In William Dean Howells' The Sleeping-Car, readers are plunged into a hilarious and chaotic tale set on a train journey. Known for his wit and satirical writing style, Howells delivers a farce that leaves readers thoroughly entertained.

The story revolves around a diverse group of passengers onboard a sleeping-car, each presenting their own quirks and idiosyncrasies. As the train hurtles through the night, an unexpected twist of events forces these individuals to interact in amusing and unexpected ways. Howells masterfully weaves together various subplots, highlighting the absurdities of human behavior when confined within tight quarters.

One of the most captivating aspects of The Sleeping-Car is Howells' razor-sharp wit. Through his clever dialogue and comical situations, he skillfully exposes the contradictions and absurdities of society. Whether it is the pompous businessman, the gossiping ladies, or the amorous young lovers, each character is richly drawn and serves as a satirical mirror reflecting our own societal flaws.

Moreover, Howells' ability to sustain humor throughout the narrative is commendable. From slapstick comedy to clever wordplay, the author adeptly employs a variety of comedic techniques, ensuring that readers will find themselves chuckling and giggling at every page. The situations become increasingly uproarious as misunderstandings and miscommunications multiply, causing chaos and delight in equal measure.

At its core, The Sleeping-Car is a light-hearted romp that never takes itself too seriously. While the characters may often be exaggerated or caricatured, their idiosyncrasies serve as a vehicle for social commentary. Howells explores human foibles and societal conventions, poking fun at the pretensions and absurd expectations of his era.

Overall, The Sleeping-Car is a delightful farce that showcases William Dean Howells' comedic genius. Its clever dialogue, amusing characters, and subtle social critique make it an enjoyable read for those seeking light-hearted entertainment. For anyone in need of a good laugh, this book is a must-read that will leave readers grinning from ear to ear.

First Page:

THE SLEEPING CAR A FARCE by William D. Howells

SCENE: One side of a sleeping car on the Boston and Albany Road. The curtains are drawn before most of the berths; from the hooks and rods hang hats, bonnets, bags, bandboxes, umbrellas, and other travelling gear; on the floor are boots of both sexes, set out for THE PORTER to black. THE PORTER is making up the beds in the upper and lower berths adjoining the seats on which a young mother, slender and pretty, with a baby asleep on the seat beside her, and a stout old lady, sit confronting each other MRS. AGNES ROBERTS and her aunt MARY.

MRS. ROBERTS. Do you always take down your back hair, aunty?

AUNT MARY. No, never, child; at least not since I had such a fright about it once, coming on from New York. It's all well enough to take down your back hair if it is yours; but if it isn't, your head's the best place for it. Now, as I buy mine of Madame Pierrot

MRS. ROBERTS. Don't you wish she wouldn't advertise it as human hair? It sounds so pokerish like human flesh, you know.

AUNT MARY. Why, she couldn't call it in human hair, my dear.

MRS. ROBERTS (thoughtfully). No just hair .

AUNT MARY. Then people might think it was for mattresses. But, as I was saying, I took it off that night, and tucked it safely away, as I supposed, in my pocket, and I slept sweetly till about midnight, when I happened to open my eyes, and saw something long and black crawl off my bed and slip under the berth... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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