A Little Dinner at Timmin's By: William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863)
A Little Dinner at Timmin's by William Makepeace Thackeray is a delightful and humorous novella that offers readers a glimpse into the world of upper-class society. Thackeray, known for his biting social satire, does not disappoint with this amusing tale. Set in the 19th century, the story revolves around a small dinner party hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Timmin, a couple who aspires to be part of the elite. The guests include a mix of esteemed individuals and eccentric characters, each with their own quirks and ambitions. Thackeray masterfully brings the characters to life through his sharp and witty writing style. His observations on human nature, particularly those of the upper class, are astute and incisive. The author's knack for satire is evident as he pokes fun at the pretensions and social aspirations of his characters. The dialogues are cleverly crafted, filled with humor and double entendre, which adds an enjoyable layer to the narrative. While the novella primarily serves as a satire on society, Thackeray also subtly explores deeper themes. He touches on the idea of personal identity and the lengths individuals go to fit into a certain social circle. The characters, although amusing, also serve as a reflection of the human desire for acceptance and validation. One of the standout aspects of A Little Dinner at Timmin's is Thackeray's adeptness at creating vivid and engaging characters. From the pompous Mr. Timmin to the flirtatious Mrs. Crump, each character is distinct and memorable. The interactions between them are entertaining, often leading to unexpected outcomes and exposing the contradictions that lie beneath their refined exteriors. At only a novella's length, Thackeray manages to pack a significant amount of wit and humor into the story. His keen observations and gentle ridicules make for an enjoyable and engaging read. However, some readers may find the language and writing style a bit outdated, particularly if they are not familiar with 19th-century literature. In conclusion, A Little Dinner at Timmin's by William Makepeace Thackeray is a delightful and satirical novella that offers a humorous glimpse into the world of upper-class society. Thackeray's mastery of wit and character development make this a worthwhile read for those who appreciate social satire and clever storytelling. First Page: A LITTLE DINNER AT TIMMINS'S. by William Makepeace Thackeray I. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzroy Timmins live in Lilliput Street, that neat little street which runs at right angles with the Park and Brobdingnag Gardens. It is a very genteel neighborhood, and I need not say they are of a good family. Especially Mrs. Timmins, as her mamma is always telling Mr. T. They are Suffolk people, and distantly related to the Right honorable the Earl of Bungay. Besides his house in Lilliput Street, Mr. Timmins has chambers in Fig tree Court, Temple, and goes the Northern Circuit. The other day, when there was a slight difference about the payment of fees between the great Parliamentary Counsel and the Solicitors, Stoke and Pogers, of Great George Street, sent the papers of the Lough Foyle and Lough Corrib Junction Railway to Mr. Fitzroy Timmins, who was so elated that he instantly purchased a couple of looking glasses for his drawing rooms (the front room is 16 by 12, and the back, a tight but elegant apartment, 10 ft. 6 by 8 ft. 4), a coral for the baby, two new dresses for Mrs. Timmins, and a little rosewood desk, at the Pantechnicon, for which Rosa had long been sighing, with crumpled legs, emerald green and gold morocco top, and drawers all over. Mrs. Timmins is a very pretty poetess (her "Lines to a Faded Tulip" and her "Plaint of Plinlimmon" appeared in one of last year's Keepsakes); and Fitzroy, as he impressed a kiss on the snowy forehead of his bride, pointed out to her, in one of the innumerable pockets of the desk, an elegant ruby tipped pen, and six charming little gilt blank books, marked "My Books," which Mrs... Continue reading book >>

A Little Dinner at Timmin's By: William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863)

A Little Dinner at Timmin's by William Makepeace Thackeray is a delightful and humorous novella that offers readers a glimpse into the world of upper-class society. Thackeray, known for his biting social satire, does not disappoint with this amusing tale.

Set in the 19th century, the story revolves around a small dinner party hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Timmin, a couple who aspires to be part of the elite. The guests include a mix of esteemed individuals and eccentric characters, each with their own quirks and ambitions.

Thackeray masterfully brings the characters to life through his sharp and witty writing style. His observations on human nature, particularly those of the upper class, are astute and incisive. The author's knack for satire is evident as he pokes fun at the pretensions and social aspirations of his characters. The dialogues are cleverly crafted, filled with humor and double entendre, which adds an enjoyable layer to the narrative.

While the novella primarily serves as a satire on society, Thackeray also subtly explores deeper themes. He touches on the idea of personal identity and the lengths individuals go to fit into a certain social circle. The characters, although amusing, also serve as a reflection of the human desire for acceptance and validation.

One of the standout aspects of A Little Dinner at Timmin's is Thackeray's adeptness at creating vivid and engaging characters. From the pompous Mr. Timmin to the flirtatious Mrs. Crump, each character is distinct and memorable. The interactions between them are entertaining, often leading to unexpected outcomes and exposing the contradictions that lie beneath their refined exteriors.

At only a novella's length, Thackeray manages to pack a significant amount of wit and humor into the story. His keen observations and gentle ridicules make for an enjoyable and engaging read. However, some readers may find the language and writing style a bit outdated, particularly if they are not familiar with 19th-century literature.

In conclusion, A Little Dinner at Timmin's by William Makepeace Thackeray is a delightful and satirical novella that offers a humorous glimpse into the world of upper-class society. Thackeray's mastery of wit and character development make this a worthwhile read for those who appreciate social satire and clever storytelling.

First Page:

A LITTLE DINNER AT TIMMINS'S.

by William Makepeace Thackeray

Mr. and Mrs. Fitzroy Timmins live in Lilliput Street, that neat little street which runs at right angles with the Park and Brobdingnag Gardens. It is a very genteel neighborhood, and I need not say they are of a good family.

Especially Mrs. Timmins, as her mamma is always telling Mr. T. They are Suffolk people, and distantly related to the Right honorable the Earl of Bungay.

Besides his house in Lilliput Street, Mr. Timmins has chambers in Fig tree Court, Temple, and goes the Northern Circuit.

The other day, when there was a slight difference about the payment of fees between the great Parliamentary Counsel and the Solicitors, Stoke and Pogers, of Great George Street, sent the papers of the Lough Foyle and Lough Corrib Junction Railway to Mr. Fitzroy Timmins, who was so elated that he instantly purchased a couple of looking glasses for his drawing rooms (the front room is 16 by 12, and the back, a tight but elegant apartment, 10 ft. 6 by 8 ft. 4), a coral for the baby, two new dresses for Mrs. Timmins, and a little rosewood desk, at the Pantechnicon, for which Rosa had long been sighing, with crumpled legs, emerald green and gold morocco top, and drawers all over.

Mrs. Timmins is a very pretty poetess (her "Lines to a Faded Tulip" and her "Plaint of Plinlimmon" appeared in one of last year's Keepsakes); and Fitzroy, as he impressed a kiss on the snowy forehead of his bride, pointed out to her, in one of the innumerable pockets of the desk, an elegant ruby tipped pen, and six charming little gilt blank books, marked "My Books," which Mrs... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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