The Old Wives’ Tale by Arnold Bennett. Summary of the book.

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The Old Wives’ Tale by Arnold Bennett

The Old Wives’ Tale is a novel written by Arnold Bennett and first published in 1908. It is one of Bennett’s most acclaimed works and considered to be a classic of English literature. The novel follows the lives of two sisters, Constance and Sophia Baines, from their youth in a small provincial English town to their old age in London. Along the way, the novel explores themes of love, morality, and family, while providing an insightful look at life in late 19th century England.

Plot Summary

The novel opens with the sisters, Constance and Sophia, in their late teens, living in their hometown of Burslem. The sisters have different personalities, with Constance being the more serious and responsible of the two, while Sophia is more carefree and romantic. Constance’s marriage to a local doctor, George Povey, takes her away from Burslem, while Sophia stays in Burslem and works in a drapery shop. As the novel progresses, the sisters’ lives diverge further and further, with Constance’s life becoming increasingly stable and successful, while Sophia’s is more chaotic and tragic. Eventually, the sisters are reunited in London in their old age, and the novel ends with their deaths and a reflection on their lives.

Themes and Teachings

The Old Wives’ Tale is a novel about the power of fate in our lives. Despite their different personalities, the lives of the two sisters are deeply intertwined, and their destinies are shaped by a combination of their own choices and external forces beyond their control. The novel also explores the importance of family and the bonds of sisterhood. Constance and Sophia’s love for each other is a constant force throughout the novel, even when their lives take them to different places and circumstances. Finally, the novel is a meditation on the passage of time. The novel follows the sisters from their youth to their old age, and the contrast between their younger and older selves is a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life.

Interesting Facts

  • The Old Wives’ Tale was the first of Bennett’s novels to be published in the United States.
  • The novel has been adapted several times for film, television, and radio.
  • The novel was the inspiration for the popular song “The Old Wives’ Tale”, by the British folk-rock band Steeleye Span.
  • The novel has been praised for its realistic and vivid portrayal of life in late 19th century England.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is The Old Wives’ Tale about?

The Old Wives’ Tale is a novel about the lives of two sisters, Constance and Sophia Baines, from their youth in a small provincial English town to their old age in London. Along the way, the novel explores themes of love, morality, and family, while providing an insightful look at life in late 19th century England.

Who wrote The Old Wives’ Tale?

The Old Wives’ Tale was written by Arnold Bennett and first published in 1908.

What awards has The Old Wives’ Tale won?

The Old Wives’ Tale has not won any awards, but it is considered to be a classic of English literature and has been praised for its realistic and vivid portrayal of life in late 19th century England.

Has The Old Wives’ Tale been adapted for film or television?

Yes, The Old Wives’ Tale has been adapted several times for film, television, and radio.

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