The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 20, No. 119, September, 1867a Magazine of Literature, Science, Art, and Politics

A periodical magazine focused on literature, science, art, and politics written in the late 19th century. This edition appears to offer a mix of fictional narratives and essays, reflecting the social and cultural discussions of the time, including themes such as ambition and societal expectation. The opening portion introduces characters like Myrtle Hazard, a school-girl seeking prestige in fashionable society, and Mr. Livingston Jenkins, who perceives Myrtle as a standout among her peers. Myrtle receives attention from Mrs. Clymer Ketchum and Mr. William Murray Bradshaw, who recognize her potential social value. The characters engage in discussions about Myrtle's prospects amid the backdrop of a party hosted byMrs. Ketchum, setting the stage for intricate social dynamics and conflicts. Meanwhile, there are hints regarding Gifted Hopkins, a young poet with aspirations, who, alongside Master Byles Gridley, navigates the complexities of literary ambitions and social acceptability. Overall, the beginning of this volume weaves together themes of ambition, social status, and personal relationships in a vibrant 19th-century context.