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Ragged Lady — Volume 2 cover

Ragged Lady — Volume 2

By William Dean Howells
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About This Book

The narrative follows a young woman whose modest upbringing and aspirations intersect with the tastes and caprices of wealthier acquaintances who offer travel and refinement. Scenes move between small-town domestic life, hotel society, and plans for a winter abroad, as family and local advisers debate whether foreign study will broaden her prospects. Encounters with a fashionable hostess illuminate contrasts of manners, generosity, and fickleness, while questions of independence, social mobility, and the value of education for a woman's future shape decisions about travel, companionship, and possible marriage.

About the Author

Howells, William Dean portrait

William Dean Howells

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an influential American author and literary critic, often regarded as the "Dean of American Letters." He is best known for his realistic portrayals of American life and society, particularly in the late 19th century. Howells's works often explore themes of social class and morality, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life. His notable novel, "A Hazard of New Fortunes," delves into the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society. Throughout his career, Howells contributed significantly to the development of realism in American literature, advocating for a more truthful representation of everyday experiences.

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