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Classic Literature

From Jest to Earnest: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition

From Jest to Earnest: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Published by Pop Culture Files••2 min read•Automatically generated · review not guaranteed
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject

From Jest to Earnest is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Roe, Edward Payson (1838–1888).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"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.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: From Jest to Earnest
  • Author credits: Roe, Edward Payson (1838–1888)
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • Fiction

Gutenberg collections

  • Category: American Literature
  • Category: Novels
  • Category: Romance

Read this edition

View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.

Source notes

Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.

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