A Tangled Web facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | L. M. Montgomery |
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| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | McClelland and Stewart |
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Publication date
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1931 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 324 pp |
A Tangled Web is a novel written by L. M. Montgomery, a famous Canadian author. It was first published in late 1931. In some countries, it was known by the title Aunt Becky Began It.
The story is mostly about two big families, the Penhallows and the Darks. Over many years, these families have married each other so much that their relationships are very complicated, like a "tangled web." The book explores their feelings and connections.
This book came out after the Great Depression started, so it wasn't as financially successful as some of Montgomery's earlier books. Parts of the story were inspired by a shorter story she wrote called "A House Divided Against Itself."
Contents
The Story of A Tangled Web
The story begins with Rebecca Dark, who everyone calls Aunt Becky. She is a very important and strong-willed leader of the Penhallow and Dark families. Aunt Becky is getting older and knows she doesn't have much time left.
For years, Aunt Becky has held special family gatherings called "levees" at her home. Family members often felt nervous about these meetings because Aunt Becky was known for her sharp comments. But they also secretly enjoyed watching others get teased!
Aunt Becky's Last Levee
Aunt Becky decides to hold one last levee. At this meeting, readers get to meet all the different family members. Aunt Becky shocks everyone by reading her own obituary (a notice of her death). Then, she reads her will, which explains who gets her belongings. Many family members want certain items, but not everyone is happy with what they receive.
The most important item in the will is an old family heirloom: the Dark jug. It's an antique jug that the family treasures, even though it's not worth a lot of money. Aunt Becky says she won't name the person who gets the jug right away. Instead, she has sealed an envelope that will reveal the winner in one year. The winner will be the person who best shows the qualities she values most.
The Year of Self-Discovery
After Aunt Becky passes away, the family members spend the next year trying to act in ways they think Aunt Becky would have approved of. They hope to win the special jug. As they do this, many of them learn important things about themselves and their lives. The book follows several different stories that are all connected.
Gay Penhallow's Journey
Young Gay Penhallow is engaged to Noel Gibson. But Noel is not a very deep person, and he leaves Gay for another girl, Nan Penhallow, who is tricky and dishonest. Gay is heartbroken. During this sad time, her friendship with Dr. Roger Penhallow, who is older than her, grows stronger. Gay becomes more mature because of her sadness. Later, Noel tries to get back together with Gay. But Gay realizes that her feelings for Noel were just a crush, and she truly loves Roger.
Donna and Peter's Love Story
Donna Dark and Peter Penhallow have disliked each other since they were children. But suddenly, they fall in love! They quickly plan to get married. However, their families, who are rivals, soon find out and try to stop them. Donna and Peter try to run away together, but they argue and separate in anger. Peter leaves the country. They stay apart until Peter returns a year later and saves Donna from a fire. After that, they finally get married.
Joscelyn and Hugh's Reconciliation
Joscelyn and Hugh Dark separated right after their wedding. Joscelyn had confessed she was in love with Hugh's best friend, Frank Dark. They stayed apart for ten years. When Frank returns, Joscelyn realizes he wasn't worth the strong feelings she had for him. She regrets leaving Hugh and thinks he must hate her. After talking with Hugh's mother, Joscelyn understands that Hugh still loves her, and she returns to him.
Margaret's New Life
Margaret Penhallow is the family dressmaker and has never married. She agrees to marry Penny Dark. They both think it might help them win the jug. Margaret isn't very fond of Penny, but she wants a home of her own. Penny also has doubts because he likes being a bachelor. He eventually decides to break off the engagement. Margaret is surprisingly happy about this! She then sells a rare old book she inherited from Aunt Becky. With the money, she buys her own house and adopts Brian, a lonely orphan boy who needed a home.
The Jug's Fate
In the end, Dandy Dark, who was supposed to keep Aunt Becky's final instructions for the jug, admits that his pigs ate the envelope! As the family gets ready to argue over who should get the jug, an eccentric family member named Oswald Dark, known as the Moon Man, destroys it.
