The Unclassed

"The Unclassed" by George Gissing is a book set in the 1800s that examines what happens when people deal with social class differences and tough moral situations. The story starts with a young girl named Ida Starr, whose mom, Lotty Starr, wants her to have a good life. At school, Ida hits another student, Harriet, after being mistreated, causing her bigger problems. The book also shows Lotty's challenges raising Ida. The readers see problems with families, how people see each other, and the fight to feel worthwhile when things are very hard. The book's beginning sets the tone for a story that will show problems with being a kid, what it means to be a mother, and rules of society.