Skinner's Dress Suit By: Henry Irving Dodge
Skinner's Dress Suit by Henry Irving Dodge is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex themes of identity, societal expectations, and the power of appearances. The author, through vivid storytelling and intricately crafted characters, offers readers a powerful exploration of human nature and the profound impact that clothing can have on one's self-perception and societal standing. The story revolves around protagonist Skinner, a hardworking and dutiful office clerk who leads a monotonous life with a predictable routine. However, everything changes when Skinner purchases an exquisite dress suit, meticulously tailored to fit him perfectly. The impeccable suit becomes more than just an outfit for Skinner - it embodies his aspirations, transforming him into a man of confidence, charm, and ambition. As Skinner starts wearing his new suit, he notices a dramatic shift in how people perceive and treat him. Suddenly, he is no longer overlooked and dismissed, but rather, individuals in both his personal and professional life begin to admire and respect him. This newfound attention and validation lead Skinner to question the importance of material possessions and the extent to which appearances dictate our lives. Dodge skillfully explores the concept of societal expectations and the pressure individuals face to conform. Through Skinner's experiences, readers are exposed to the complexities of class divisions and the elitism that permeates society. By donning the dress suit, Skinner gains access to social circles and opportunities previously inaccessible to him, exposing the unfairness inherent in such a system. Furthermore, Dodge delves into the psychological and emotional consequences of relying on external validation. As Skinner becomes consumed by the perceived power of the suit, he gradually loses sight of his true self, effectively becoming a slave to the image projected by his attire. This serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of placing too much importance on material possessions and the consequences of neglecting genuine connections and personal growth. Skinner's Dress Suit is a timeless novel that prompts readers to reflect on their own relationship with society, personal identity, and the role clothing plays in our lives. Dodge's writing is engaging and evocative, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. The characters are multi-dimensional and relatable, with each representing different facets of the human condition. Overall, Skinner's Dress Suit is a literary gem that offers valuable insights into the complexities of human nature and the profound impact clothing can have on one's perception and place in society. It is a cautionary tale that serves as a reminder to look beyond appearances and seek fulfillment in authenticity and genuine connections. First Page: SKINNER'S DRESS SUIT by HENRY IRVING DODGE With Illustrations [Frontispiece: "I won't take your order unless you throw in that trout dinner"] Toronto Thomas Allen Publisher 1916 Copyright, 1916, by the Curtis Publishing Company Copyright, 1916, by Henry Irving Dodge All Rights Reserved TO MY WIFE CONTENTS I. SKINNER ASKS FOR A RAISE II. HOW SKINNER GOT HIS RAISE III. SKINNER'S DRESS SUIT IV. SKINNER'S DRESS SUIT BEGINS TO GET IN ITS FINE WORK V. THE OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE DRESS SUIT VI. DODGING A MAGNATE AND WHAT CAME OF IT VII. SKINNER AND THE "GOLD BUGS" VIII. CHICKENS COMING HOME TO ROOST IX. SKINNER FISHES WITH A DIPLOMATIC HOOK X. SKINNER LANDS A CURMUDGEON XI. THE OSTRICH FEATHER ILLUSTRATIONS "I WON'T TAKE YOUR ORDER UNLESS YOU THROW IN THAT TROUT DINNER" . . . . . . Frontispiece "IT'S COME AT LAST! SKINNER'S ASKED FOR A RAISE" "THE GENERAL EFFECT DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT!" "THERE," SHE CRIED, "YOU CAN CREDIT YOUR DRESS SUIT ACCOUNT WITH THAT!" "MRS. SKINNER, DAUGHTER OF THE LATE ARCHIBALD RUTHERFORD, OF HASTINGS ON THE HUDSON, ACCOMPANIES HER HUSBAND" "WHY CAN'T I GO WITH THOSE PEOPLE," SHE SNIFFLED From Drawings by F. Vaux Wilson SKINNER'S DRESS SUIT CHAPTER I SKINNER ASKS FOR A RAISE Skinner had inhabited the ironbound enclosure labeled "CASHIER" at McLaughlin & Perkins, Inc... Continue reading book >>

Skinner's Dress Suit By: Henry Irving Dodge

Skinner's Dress Suit by Henry Irving Dodge is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex themes of identity, societal expectations, and the power of appearances. The author, through vivid storytelling and intricately crafted characters, offers readers a powerful exploration of human nature and the profound impact that clothing can have on one's self-perception and societal standing.

The story revolves around protagonist Skinner, a hardworking and dutiful office clerk who leads a monotonous life with a predictable routine. However, everything changes when Skinner purchases an exquisite dress suit, meticulously tailored to fit him perfectly. The impeccable suit becomes more than just an outfit for Skinner - it embodies his aspirations, transforming him into a man of confidence, charm, and ambition.

As Skinner starts wearing his new suit, he notices a dramatic shift in how people perceive and treat him. Suddenly, he is no longer overlooked and dismissed, but rather, individuals in both his personal and professional life begin to admire and respect him. This newfound attention and validation lead Skinner to question the importance of material possessions and the extent to which appearances dictate our lives.

Dodge skillfully explores the concept of societal expectations and the pressure individuals face to conform. Through Skinner's experiences, readers are exposed to the complexities of class divisions and the elitism that permeates society. By donning the dress suit, Skinner gains access to social circles and opportunities previously inaccessible to him, exposing the unfairness inherent in such a system.

Furthermore, Dodge delves into the psychological and emotional consequences of relying on external validation. As Skinner becomes consumed by the perceived power of the suit, he gradually loses sight of his true self, effectively becoming a slave to the image projected by his attire. This serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of placing too much importance on material possessions and the consequences of neglecting genuine connections and personal growth.

Skinner's Dress Suit is a timeless novel that prompts readers to reflect on their own relationship with society, personal identity, and the role clothing plays in our lives. Dodge's writing is engaging and evocative, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. The characters are multi-dimensional and relatable, with each representing different facets of the human condition.

Overall, Skinner's Dress Suit is a literary gem that offers valuable insights into the complexities of human nature and the profound impact clothing can have on one's perception and place in society. It is a cautionary tale that serves as a reminder to look beyond appearances and seek fulfillment in authenticity and genuine connections.

First Page:

SKINNER'S DRESS SUIT

HENRY IRVING DODGE

With Illustrations

[Frontispiece: "I won't take your order unless you throw in that trout dinner"]

Toronto Thomas Allen Publisher 1916

MY WIFE

CONTENTS

I. SKINNER ASKS FOR A RAISE II. HOW SKINNER GOT HIS RAISE III. SKINNER'S DRESS SUIT IV. SKINNER'S DRESS SUIT BEGINS TO GET IN ITS FINE WORK V. THE OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE DRESS SUIT VI. DODGING A MAGNATE AND WHAT CAME OF IT VII. SKINNER AND THE "GOLD BUGS" VIII. CHICKENS COMING HOME TO ROOST IX. SKINNER FISHES WITH A DIPLOMATIC HOOK X. SKINNER LANDS A CURMUDGEON XI. THE OSTRICH FEATHER

ILLUSTRATIONS

"I WON'T TAKE YOUR ORDER UNLESS YOU THROW IN THAT TROUT DINNER" . . . . . . Frontispiece

"IT'S COME AT LAST! SKINNER'S ASKED FOR A RAISE"

"THE GENERAL EFFECT DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT!"

"THERE," SHE CRIED, "YOU CAN CREDIT YOUR DRESS SUIT ACCOUNT WITH THAT!"

"MRS. SKINNER, DAUGHTER OF THE LATE ARCHIBALD RUTHERFORD, OF HASTINGS ON THE HUDSON, ACCOMPANIES HER HUSBAND"

"WHY CAN'T I GO WITH THOSE PEOPLE," SHE SNIFFLED

From Drawings by F. Vaux Wilson

SKINNER'S DRESS SUIT

CHAPTER I

SKINNER ASKS FOR A RAISE

Skinner had inhabited the ironbound enclosure labeled "CASHIER" at McLaughlin & Perkins, Inc... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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