Cover of Sir Charles Grandison

Sir Charles Grandison

by Samuel Richardson

⏱ 4 hours 🎓 High school+
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💡 Why It Matters Today

Sir Charles Grandison explores timeless themes of virtue, social expectations, and personal integrity, which remain relevant in today's digital age where social reputation can be shaped and challenged online.

Modern Connections

The novel's focus on reputation parallels social media's impact on personal identity.Themes of morality and virtue relate to ongoing social debates about ethics and leadership in the digital era.

💭 Big Ideas

The importance of virtue and moral character.

Being truly good and honest matters more than just looking good in front of others.

The role of social expectations and manners in shaping behavior.

People often behave a certain way because society expects it, even if it conflicts with their true feelings.

📖 What You'll Learn

🎯 Reader Fit

✅ Good For

  • Fans of classic literature and historical novels.
  • Readers interested in social history and moral philosophy.

⚠ Not Ideal For

  • Readers seeking fast-paced or action-oriented stories.
  • Those uninterested in historical social customs or epistolary format.

🤔 Controversies & Critiques

📚 Reading Context

Before Reading

  • Familiarity with 18th-century British society and manners.

After Reading

  • Understanding early forms of social critique and the development of the novel as a literary form.

📕 Similar Books

Jane Austen's social commentary in her novels.

Appeals to fans of: Classic epistolary fiction like 'Dracula' or 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses.'

🏷 Classification Details

Author Samuel Richardson
Published 1753
Language English
Subjects Epistolary fiction, England -- Social life and customs -- 18th century -- Fiction

📚 Curated Collections

This book appears in these curated collections:

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