Pierre | Pierre

At a glance:

Author: Herman Melville
First Published: 1852
Type of Work: Novel
Type of Plot: Philosophical
Time of Work: Early nineteenth century
Setting: New York City
Genres: Long fiction, Philosophical realism
Subjects: Family or family life, New York, North America or North Americans, Northeast, U.S., United States or Americans, Suicide, Authors or writers, Nineteenth century, New York City, Brothers and sisters, Incest, Illegitimacy
Locales: New York, NY

Characters Discussed

Pierre Glendinning, a wealthy young easterner of the early nineteenth century. When he claims his half sister as his wife in order to shield her from the world, his decision causes him to lose his inheritance, his fiancée, and eventually his life. Having shot and killed a male cousin, he is sent to prison. During a visit from his fiancée and his half sister, he swallows poison and dies.

Isabel, Pierre’s half sister, the illegitimate daughter of an alliance Pierre’s father had with a young French woman. Her love for Pierre is not the typical...

Pierre | Pierre

At a glance:

Characters Discussed

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