The Roll-Call
Arnold Bennett
Sep 2022 · DigiCat
Ebook
291
Pages
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About this ebook
In "The Roll-Call," Arnold Bennett explores the intricate dynamics of life in a provincial English town during the early 20th century, presenting a vivid tableau of societal structures and individual aspirations. Written in Bennett's characteristic realist style, the novel immerses readers in the lives of its richly drawn characters, articulating the challenges, triumphs, and banalities of ordinary existence. Through a narrative steeped in detailed observations, Bennett delves into themes of love, ambition, and the passage of time, all framed within the broader context of an evolving society grappling with modernity. Arnold Bennett, a prominent figure in early 20th-century literature, was born in 1867 in Staffordshire, a region that would become the backdrop for much of his work. Having experienced the rise and fall of industry in his hometown, Bennett developed a unique sensitivity to the struggles and aspirations of everyday people. His own journey through the world of journalism and theater enriched his narrative techniques, enabling him to craft complex characters that resonate with the universal quest for identity and belonging. For readers interested in social realism and character-driven narratives, "The Roll-Call" serves as a compelling exploration of human experience within the context of a changing world. Bennett's nuanced portrayal of his characters' lives makes this novel an enduring study of the personal amidst the pressures of societal expectations, and a must-read for anyone seeking to understand early modern British literature.
About the author
Enoch Arnold Bennett, born on May 27, 1867, in Hanley, Staffordshire, and known professionally as Arnold Bennett, was a prominent English novelist, playwright, critic, and essayist, recognized for his evocative portrayals of life in the Potteries, an area in North Staffordshire that became the primary setting for much of his fiction. Bennett's early career blossomed in journalism, yet he found his true calling in the literary world, becoming a prolific author acclaimed for his vivid character development and his lucid, unpretentious style. His works often explored the constraints of Victorian and early-Edwardian provincial life, delving into the ambitions, drive, and often the narrow-mindedness of the English middle class. 'The Roll-Call' (1918) is one of his later works, part of the 'Clayhanger' series, where Bennett examines the complexities of change and progress in the dynamic pre-war England. Representing a bridge between the Victorian and modernist literary epochs, Bennett's writings, including 'The Old Wives' Tale' (1908) and 'Riceyman Steps' (1923), which won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, form a significant part of the canon of twentieth-century British literature. Despite his achievements, Bennett's work dipped in popularity, later to be revived as scholars and readers rediscovered his adept narratives and astute social commentary. He died of typhoid in London on March 27, 1931, leaving a legacy that continues to be studied and enjoyed to this day.
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