In This Cradle Life of Ours
In "In This Cradle Life of Ours," Annie Fellows Johnston explores the themes of love, loss, and the cyclical nature of life through the eyes of a young girl growing up in rural Kentucky during the early 20th century. The novel follows the protagonist, Emily, as she navigates her way through adolescence, experiencing first loves, heartbreaks, and the loss of innocence. Through Emily's journey, Johnston examines the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which they shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
By Annie Fellows Johnston · First published 1926 · Genre: Children's Literature, Historical Fiction, Drama · 151 words
First lines
THE world swings slowly back and forth, From dawn to dusk, from dusk to dawn, And we forget the hand that rocks, But, cradle-like, the world swings on.
A little while to stir and fret, Or sob with trembling lip Because the sunbeams we would grasp Through helpless fingers slip.
A little while to moan, and start From fevered dreams, and weep, For still the cradle sways and swings Until we fall asleep.
The broad earth's pillow is so soft To weary heads, and who can tell But through that sleep sound lullabies Of the white angel, Israfel?
What this Textopian page supports
In This Cradle Life of Ours is listed on Textopian as a short story by Annie Fellows Johnston, dated 1926 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Annie Fellows Johnston
- Date: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Historical Fiction, Drama, Family
- Length: 151 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In This Cradle Life of Ours by Annie Fellows Johnston
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Children's Literature — This book consists of stories suitable for children and young readers, which are common traits in children's literature.
- Historical Fiction — It is set in a past era and includes historical events and figures, which put it under historical fiction.
- Drama — The themes and style of writing in the book revolves around the experiences of the characters, making it fall under the drama genre.
- Family — The book portrays relationships and dynamics within a family setting, qualifying it under the family genre.
Tags
American literature · historical fiction · family drama · coming of age · Appalachian culture · small town life · romance · travel · adventure · self-discovery · women's studies · gender roles
More by Annie Fellows Johnston
- Mildred's Inheritance; Just Her Way; Ann's Own Way (1906)
- The Quilt that Jack Built; How He Won the Bicycle (1904)
- The Legend of the Bleeding-heart (1907)
- Big Brother (1893)
- In the Desert of Waiting: The Legend of Camel-back Mountain (1904)
- Georgiana of the Rainbows (1920)
- The Little Colonel (1907)
- The Gate of the Giant Scissors (1920)
- All works by Annie Fellows Johnston