Author
Harold Brighouse
1882-1958
Harold Brighouse (1882-1958) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Harold Brighouse
Hobson's Choice: A Lancashire Comedy in Four Acts
"Hobson's Choice: A Lancashire Comedy in Four Acts" by Harold Brighouse is a play written during the early 20th century, set in 1880s Lancashire. The narrative revolves around the central character, Maggie Hobson, the strong-willed eldest daughter of a boot shop owner, Henry Horatio Hobson. The play explores themes of social class, family dynamics, and women's independence as Maggie seeks to assert her will against her father's outdated views and strives to forge her own path in life. The opening of the play introduces the bustling interior of Hobson's boot shop, where Maggie and her sisters manage the business while dealing with their father’s domineering personality. The dialogue establishes the humorous yet contentious relationship within the Hobson family, particularly the clash between Maggie and her father, who believes he should choose husbands for his daughters. As Maggie takes charge, her intention to marry Will Mossop, a humble bootmaker, sets the stage for conflicts over class and the expectations of women of the era. The scene portrays Maggie's determination to break free from patriarchal constraints, hinting at her influence and the evolving socio-economic landscape of the time.
Three Lancashire Plays: The Game; The Northerners; Zack
"Three Lancashire Plays: The Game; The Northerners; Zack" by Harold Brighouse is a collection of plays written in the early 20th century. This work reflects on the changing dynamics of family, society, and personal aspirations within the context of early 20th-century Lancashire. The play "The Game" introduces characters that grapple with issues of identity, loyalty, and the pursuit of artistic and personal dreams against a backdrop of sporting culture. The opening of "The Game" sets the scene in a Lancashire household where Austin Whitworth’s family is eagerly anticipating a football match that holds significant stakes for their beloved local team, Blackton Rovers. The dialogue flows between Austin, his brother Edmund, and his children Leo, Florence, and Elsie, creating an atmosphere filled with playful banter and underlying tension regarding a recent transfer of star footballer Jack Metherell. As the narrative unfolds, the family's varying engagement with football and issues of loyalty, ambition, and societal expectations become apparent, highlighting contrasting generational perspectives while alluding to deeper emotional currents surrounding love and family ties.
Hepplestall's
"Hepplestall's" by Harold Brighouse is a novel written in the early 20th century. It appears to revolve around the character Reuben Hepplestall, who navigates societal challenges, ambition, and personal desires as he transitions from a young Jacobite to a cotton manufacturer. The story hints at themes of class conflict, the rise of industrialization, and personal relationships that are set against the backdrop of changing times. The opening of "Hepplestall's" begins with a foreword discussing an 'outworn passion' that serves as a metaphor for the story's themes of hatred and ambition. Subsequently, readers are introduced to Reuben Hepplestall, whose Jacobite leanings are primarily rooted in his disdain for Sir Harry Whitworth, a local aristocrat. This rivalry sets the stage for Hepplestall's aspirations to rise socially and economically through cotton manufacturing. Characters such as the unscrupulous Reverend Bantison and the attractive Dorothy Verners emerge, hinting at interpersonal dynamics that will likely develop as the narrative unfolds. Overall, the beginning sets a tone of rebellion and ambition intertwined with the complexities of love and class structure.
The Marbeck Inn: A Novel
"The Marbeck Inn: A Novel" by Harold Brighouse is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. The novel follows the life of Sam Branstone, a porter's son from a humble background in Manchester, as he navigates the complexities of ambition, gratitude, and family obligations while facing the realities of social class and personal growth. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Sam Branstone, who saves a boy from being hit by a train, earning him local fame as a hero. His mother, Anne Branstone, a determined and resilient matriarch, grapples with her pride and ambition for her son amidst the pressure to uphold family integrity. Mr. Councillor Travers, whose son Sam saved, offers to help Sam by suggesting he live with them and attend grammar school, but Anne's fierce independence prompts her to reject this offer for her son. Through their interactions, the groundwork is laid for themes of aspiration, sacrifice, and the struggle for recognition within societal structures, setting the tone for Sam's journey toward a better life.
Garside's Career: A Comedy in Four Acts
"Garside's Career: A Comedy in Four Acts" by Harold Brighouse is a play written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Peter Garside, a working-class young man who has just earned his university degree while supporting his mother, Mrs. Garside, and balancing his aspirations against societal expectations. The focus lies on Peter's ambitions and the ensuing challenges, particularly the tension in his relationships, particularly with Margaret Shawcross, a school teacher and his romantic interest, as they navigate the intersection of personal aspirations and class struggles. The opening of the play presents the Garside household on an evening filled with anticipation as Mrs. Garside eagerly awaits news of her son Peter's academic success. When Peter returns with the triumphant news of his degree, the excitement is palpable, yet it soon highlights the contrasts between his working-class roots and the expectations that come with academic achievement. The conversation between Peter and Margaret reveals deeper themes of ambition, class consciousness, and the balance between romantic aspirations and political responsibilities. As Peter gears up for a potential career in politics as well as the challenges of maintaining his relationship with Margaret, the stage is set for a comedy that intertwines personal victories with broader societal themes.
Graft: A Comedy in Four Acts
"Graft: A Comedy in Four Acts" by Harold Brighouse is a play written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Jim Pilling, a gardener, his wife Sally, and their son Dick, who live in a cramped one-room apartment in the town of Carrington. The play delves into issues of class disparity, the struggles of working-class families, and the contrasting perspectives of the town's elite represented by characters such as Stephen Verity, a self-made man with political ambitions. The opening of the play introduces the Pilling family during a modest September evening at home. Jim and Sally discuss their longing for the countryside, highlighting their dissatisfaction with their current living conditions. As they navigate daily life, they express concerns about their son, Dick, and the challenges of raising a child in overcrowded urban streets. The scene shifts as various characters including a sympathetic curate and a domineering alderman enter, revealing the underlying tensions regarding a proposed recreation ground that could lead to the destruction of the affluent Polygon neighborhood. This rich interplay between characters sets the stage for a broader commentary on social class and community dynamics within the framework of a comedic narrative.
The Price of Coal A Play
"The Price of Coal" by Harold Brighouse is a one-act play written in the early 20th century, particularly around 1911. The narrative unfolds in a Lanarkshire colliery village, capturing the life and struggles of coal miners and their families. This poignant drama delves into the harsh realities faced by these workers and their loved ones as they navigate the risks and dangers inherent in their daily grind. The story centers around Mary Brown and her cousin Jock, who are preparing for another day at the mine. The tension rises when Jock's mother, Ellen, experiences a troubling dream the night before about a disastrous event in the mine, stirring the fear of loss in the family. As Mary and Ellen wait anxiously for news, the weight of their fears becomes palpable when a bell rings, signaling an accident at the pit. The play culminates in a moment of both relief and resolution when Jock, injured but alive, returns home and proposes to Mary. Through rich dialogue and deep characterizations, Brighouse expertly captures the dynamics of love, fear, and the grit of working-class life during this period.
The Scaring off of Teddy Dawson: A Comedy in One Act
"The Scaring off of Teddy Dawson: A Comedy in One Act" by Harold Brighouse is a stage play written in the early 20th century. This comedic work presents a slice-of-life narrative about a working-class family in London's East End, exploring themes of courtship, parental control, and youthful romance. The play captures the dynamics between parents and their daughter as they navigate the turbulent waters of young love. The story revolves around the Bettesworth family, particularly focusing on their daughter Liza and her suitor, Teddy Dawson. As the play unfolds, Liza's father Andrew learns of her secret courtship and vows to scare off Teddy, whom he considers unsuitable. However, the matriarch, Polly, seeks a different approach, believing that a heavy-handed reprimand is not effective in deterring young love. The tension heightens as Teddy arrives to court Liza in the family home, with both parents wrestling with their protective instincts. In a twist of events, Polly cleverly maneuvers the situation to bring about a resolution that only increases Liza's attachment to her family. Ultimately, the play examines the complexities of love and parental relationships, ending on a note of humor and warmth as the family embraces the reality of growing up.
Dealing in Futures: A Play in Three Acts
"Dealing in Futures: A Play in Three Acts" by Harold Brighouse is a theatrical play written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around Jabez Thompson, a prosperous chemical manufacturer, and his daughter Rosie, as they navigate personal and business conflicts within a Lancashire village. The story is likely to explore the tensions between social responsibility and profit-making, as well as the dynamics of family relationships and romantic entanglements. The opening of the play establishes a tense dinner conversation between Jabez and Rosie, where Jabez expresses concerns about Rosie's engagement to Charlie Bunting, a young chemist. He questions Charlie's commitment and business acumen, highlighting his hesitation regarding the engagement. As the scene unfolds, it becomes clear that Charlie is passionate about worker welfare and is struggling to balance his ideals with familial expectations and business pressures. The arrival of Dr. Clavering adds further complexity, hinting at professional and personal connections that intertwine with the central theme of labor relations and social conscience. The initial character exchanges set a tone of conflict, foreshadowing the broader struggles to come as the characters confront the realities of their societal positions and personal desires.