Thyrza

"Thyrza" by George Gissing is a story that looks at the tough lives of people living in the Victorian era. It discusses social classes and what was expected of women at that time, and what happens if those expectations are not met. The story starts with Annabel Newthorpe, her cousin Paula Tyrrell, and a visitor named Mr. Egremont. Paula is recovering from an sickness, and her stay with the Newthorpes in the countryside sets a peaceful tone, even as Mr. Egremont is preparing to visit and disrupt the lives of our characters. Annabel is shown to be a deep thinker, which shows the struggles she has with the rules that society has placed on her as she grows up. This sets up the story by showing the worries about what society expects, especially for Annabel, as she faces a future where her choices are already decided for her.