From Jest to Earnest by Edward Payson Roe

"From Jest to Earnest" by Edward Payson Roe is a novel likely written during the late 19th century. The story primarily revolves around Charlotte "Lottie" Marsden, a vivacious and beautiful young woman, and her interactions with her cousin Frank Hemstead, a soon-to-be clergyman. The book explores themes of morality, social expectations, and the complexities of youthful romance, particularly through the lens of practical jokes and flirtations common among the social elite. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to Lottie, her cousin Dan, and Mr. De Forrest as they arrive at Mrs. Marchmont's mansion for Christmas. While Lottie is surrounded by admirers, her companion Bel Parton is overlooked despite her own delicate beauty. Tension builds as Lottie proposes a practical joke on their incoming guest, Frank Hemstead, a newcomer supposedly studying for the ministry. As they prepare for his arrival, the plot hints at a playful yet provocative exploration of societal norms and personal identities, setting the stage for Lottie's manipulation of Frank, contrasted against the more genuine aspects of his character. The juxtaposition of Lottie's charm and deeper flaws against Frank's naivety invites further examination of the characters' relationships and the potential consequences of their playful intentions. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Roe, Edward Payson, 1838-1888
Title From Jest to Earnest
Credits Produced by Charles Aldarondo
Reading Level Reading ease score: 78.9 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Fiction
Category Text
eBook-No. 6102
Release Date
Last Update Sep 8, 2012
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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