Retrospection

Name: Retrospection
Author: Annie Fellows Johnston

A young woman named Elnora Kemper returns to her hometown in Kentucky after spending several years away, and she finds that the town and its people have changed significantly. The story explores themes of nostalgia, change, and the passing of time through the eyes of a returning protagonist.

By Annie Fellows Johnston · First published 1924 · Genre: Literature, Short Stories, Fiction · 271 words

First lines

THE grandsire, in the chimney corner, takes The almanac from its accustomed place, And while the kettle swings upon the crane, And firelight flickers on his wrinkled face, Reviews the slow procession of the months; And sees again upon the hills of green The gypsy Springtime pitch her airy tent Among the blossoms. Then the silver sheen Of harvest moon shines down on rustling corn Until the hazy air of Autumn thrills With sound of woodman's ax and hunter's horn, And darker shadows climb the russet hills.

But while he ponders on the open page, The last sand in the hour-glass slips away.

The end seems near of his long pilgrimage, And he would call the fleeting year to stay.

What this Textopian page supports

Retrospection is listed on Textopian as a short story by Annie Fellows Johnston, dated 1924 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: 1924 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literature, Short Stories, Fiction, Historical fiction, Children's Literature
Length: 271 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Retrospection by Annie Fellows Johnston
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres

Literature — The author, Annie Fellows Johnston, is recognized for contributions in the field of literature.
Short Stories — Based on the writing style and characteristics of Johnston’s works, it could be categorized into short stories genre.
Fiction — The author typically writes works that are a product of imagination, therefore the fictitious characteristic categorizes it in this genre.
Historical fiction — Johnston’s works usually contain historical references and context, which provides the setting for the plot.