
The Giant's Robe
'The Giant's Robe' Summary
In F. Anstey's classic Victorian fantasy novel, The Giant's Robe, a young man named Dicky stumbles upon a magical robe that grants him the power to become invisible. At first, Dicky uses his newfound power for harmless fun, such as playing pranks on his friends and eavesdropping on private conversations. However, as he spends more time wearing the robe, he begins to realize that it can also be used for more nefarious purposes.
One day, Dicky overhears a group of criminals plotting a heist. He decides to use his invisibility to thwart their plans, but his intervention goes awry and the criminals escape. This experience teaches Dicky that he must be careful about how he uses his power.
Dicky soon becomes addicted to the feeling of power and control that the robe gives him. He begins to use it to manipulate and exploit others. He even goes so far as to blackmail a wealthy man into giving him money.
However, Dicky's hubris eventually leads to his downfall. He becomes so arrogant and overconfident that he fails to see the dangers that he is courting. In the end, Dicky is exposed as a fraud and loses everything, including the robe.
The Giant's Robe is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the importance of using one's powers responsibly. It is also a reminder that even the most innocent of us can be corrupted by power.
Essence and Spirit of the Book
At its heart, The Giant's Robe is a story about the corrupting influence of power. Dicky's transformation from a kind and well-meaning young man to a ruthless and manipulative schemer is a stark reminder that even the best of us are susceptible to the dark side of human nature.
The novel also explores the themes of identity, responsibility, and the social cost of ambition. Dicky's invisibility allows him to escape the constraints of his social class and to indulge his darkest desires. However, he ultimately discovers that there is a price to be paid for such freedom.
Conclusion
The Giant's Robe is a timeless novel that still resonates with readers today. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the importance of using one's powers responsibly. It is also a reminder that even the most innocent of us can be corrupted by power.
Book Details
Authors

Thomas Anstey Guthrie
England
Thomas Anstey Guthrie most noted for his comic novel Vice Versa about a boarding-school boy and his father exchanging identities. His reputation was confirmed by The Tinted Venus and many humorous par...
Books by Thomas Anstey GuthrieDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

The Uncalled by Paul Laurence Dunbar
It tells the story of a young African-American man named John who is searching for his place in the world. Set in the late 19th century, "The Uncalle...

Cautiva by Esteban Echeverría
La Cautiva, un poema narrativo épico de Esteban Echeverría, es una obra clave del Romanticismo argentino. Narra la historia de Brián, un soldado captu...

Mark the Match Boy or Richard Hunter's Ward by Horatio Alger
Mark, a young orphan boy, sells matches on the streets of New York City to survive. One day, he witnesses a robbery and bravely intervenes, saving the...

The Metropolis by Upton Sinclair
In this 1907 novel about the extravagant life of New York City’s high society, the author of The Jungle, presents a portrait of the wealthy elite. All...

Our Friend The Charlatan by George Gissing
This is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of deception. Written in the late 19th century, thi...

Trinummus: The Three Pieces of Money by Titus Maccius Plautus
Trinummus, or The Three Pieces of Money, is an ancient Roman comedy by Titus Maccius Plautus. The play tells the story of Charmides, an Athenian merch...

The Spring Song by Forrest Reid
This novel explores the coming of age journey of a young boy. The book was first published in 1929 and is considered one of Forrest Reid's most notabl...

The Ranch Girls' Pot of Gold by Margaret Vandercook
It is a charming and heartwarming story about friendship and adventure. This children's novel was first published in the early 20th century and has si...

Wolf-Leader by Alexandre Dumas
In Alexandre Dumas's chilling tale, 'Wolf-Leader,' a shoemaker named Thibault, driven to despair by injustice, makes a pact with the Devil, disguised...

The Food of the Gods and How it Came to Earth by H. G. Wells
The Food of the Gods and How It Came to Earth is a science fiction novel by H. G. Wells, first published in 1904. Wells called it "a fantasia on the c...
Reviews for The Giant's Robe
No reviews posted or approved, yet...