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The Lion's Share
AuthorArnold Bennett
LanguageEnglish
GenreNovel
PublisherCassell and Company
Publication date
1916
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Media typePrint (Hardback & Paperback)

The Lion's Share is a novel by English author Arnold Bennett, first published in 1916 by Cassell and Company.[1] The novel is set in the Five Towns, Bennett's fictionalized version of the Staffordshire Potteries.

Plot summary

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The novel follows the story of Horace Carpole, a virtuous and hardworking young man who lives with his stepmother and younger half-brother Sidney in Bursley, one of the Five Towns. After an accident where Horace drops Sidney down the stairs, Sidney begins suffering from mysterious health issues. This incident sets off a chain of events that drastically alters the lives of both brothers.[2]

As Sidney grows up, he becomes a charming but sickly young man who is doted upon by the community, while Horace is quietly blamed for his brother's condition. Horace sacrifices much of his time and resources to care for Sidney, even as Sidney's behavior becomes increasingly irresponsible.

The story takes a turn when Horace becomes attracted to a young woman named Ella, but Sidney ends up marrying her instead. Horace continues to support the couple financially, even as his own business struggles. Eventually, Horace is forced to declare bankruptcy and move to Germany for work, while Sidney and Ella live comfortably off Ella's inheritance.[3]

The novel concludes with Horace returning years later to find Sidney and Ella living in his former home, seemingly oblivious to the sacrifices Horace has made for them over the years.

Themes

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"The Lion's Share" explores several themes common in Bennett's work:[4][non-primary source needed]

  • The contrast between self-sacrifice and self-indulgence
  • The often unfair nature of public opinion and reputation
  • The impact of illness and disability on family dynamics
  • The economic struggles of the middle class
  • The complex relationships between siblings

Literary significance and reception

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While not as well-known as some of Bennett's other works, "The Lion's Share" is considered an example of his realistic portrayal of life in the Potteries district. The novel showcases Bennett's skill in depicting complex family relationships and the social dynamics of provincial English life in the early 20th century.[5]

Publication history

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The novel was first published in 1916 by Cassell and Company. It has since been reprinted multiple times and is available in various formats, including as an e-book through Project Gutenberg.[2]

Adaptations

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"The Lion's Share" was adapted for television as part of the Indian series "Katha Sagar" (translation: "A Sea of Stories"), which aired on DD National in 1986. The episode, titled "Ek Bhool" (meaning "A Mistake" in Hindi), was directed by Kundan Shah. "Katha Sagar" featured adaptations of stories by various international authors, including Katherine Mansfield, Guy de Maupassant, Leo Tolstoy, O. Henry, and Anton Chekhov.

References

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  1. ^ The lion's share. OCLC 1586081. Retrieved 2023-09-18. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  2. ^ a b "The Lion's Share by Arnold Bennett". Project Gutenberg. Retrieved 2023-09-18.
  3. ^ "The Lion's Share by Arnold Bennett". Sujaritha Saravanan's Blog. 13 May 2020. Retrieved 2023-09-18.
  4. ^ "The Lion's Share". Hackney Books. Retrieved 2023-09-18.
  5. ^ Ian Ousby, ed. (1993). The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-44086-8.
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Further reading

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