Hepaticas by Anne Douglas Sedgwick
The narrative unfolds during World War I, focusing on a mother, Mrs. Bradley, anxiously awaiting news of her son, Jack, who is serving as a soldier. As other soldiers return home for brief leaves, she grapples with her fears and hopes, reflecting on their life in Dorrington, where they have cherished the beauty of nature, particularly the white hepaticas that symbolize their bond. The story captures the tension between the harsh realities of war and the serene beauty of their home. When Jack finally returns, he reveals that he has married a young dancer named Dollie, who is pregnant with his child. This revelation shatters Mrs. Bradley's dreams for her son, yet she strives to understand and support him. The emotional complexity of their relationship is explored as they navigate feelings of love, loss, and the burdens of war. Mrs. Bradley's acceptance of Jack's choices, despite her initial shock, highlights themes of maternal love and resilience. The story culminates in a poignant moment of connection between mother and son, emphasizing the enduring bond they share amidst the chaos of their lives.
By Anne Douglas Sedgwick · First published 1927 · Genre: Fiction, Romantic Fiction, Literary Fiction · 3 chapters · 9,850 words
First lines
Other people's sons were coming home for the three or four days' leave. The first gigantic struggle -- furious onslaught and grim resistance -- was over. Paris, pale, and slightly shuddering still, stood safe. Calais was not taken, and, dug into their trenches, it was evident that the opposing armies would lie face to face, with no decisive encounter possible until the spring.
What this Textopian page supports
Hepaticas is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anne Douglas Sedgwick, dated 1927 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Anne Douglas Sedgwick
- Date: 1927 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Romantic Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 9,850 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 119 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Hepaticas by Anne Douglas Sedgwick
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
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Genres
- Fiction — The book 'Hepaticas' by Anne Douglas Sedgwick falls into the broad category of fiction as it presents a narrative story that is not based on true events.
- Romantic Fiction — The book quite prominently focuses on romantic relationships as a part of the plot, classifying it within the genre of romantic fiction.
- Literary Fiction — The book engages with complex themes and explores the depth of human experience, which gives it the character of literary fiction.
Tags
nature · friendship · self-discovery · love · loss · family · identity · growth · rural · relationships · coming-of-age · conflict