The Tower of Babel by Annie Fellows Johnston

The Tower of Babel, written by Annie Fellows Johnston, is a novel that tells the story of a group of people who attempt to build a tower that reaches the heavens. Despite their best efforts, they are thwarted by language barriers and are left with a confusing mess. The book explores themes of communication, community, and the limits of human achievement.

By Annie Fellows Johnston · First published 1903 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 299 words

First lines

ONCE, many centuries ago, / Men tried to build a tower so high / That rising upward, round on round, / Its pinnacle should reach the sky.

And as they toiled and built and dreamed and planned, / What hopes went upward with the rising stone! / That daring feet ere long should mount and stand / Upon the golden stairway to the throne.

And then a dire confusion fell / Upon the workers, building there.

Men called and shouted each to each / With strange, uncomprehended speech, / And what it meant no one could tell; / So they left building in despair.

• Open reader

What this Textopian page supports

The Tower of Babel is listed on Textopian as a short story by Annie Fellows Johnston, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
• Length: 299 words
• Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Tower of Babel by Annie Fellows Johnston
• 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

Similar titles

• The Prophet by Annie Fellows Johnston
• In Old Madras by B. M. Croker
• The Jesters Sword by Annie Fellows Johnston
• It Was The Road To Jericho by Annie Fellows Johnston
• Inspiration by Annie Fellows Johnston
• October by Annie Fellows Johnston

Genres

• Children's Literature — Given the book's simplified storytelling, moral lessons, and storybook characters, it is mainly written for a younger audience.
• Fantasy — The book features fantastical characters and scenarios, making it appropriate to categorize under the Fantasy genre.
• Adventure — The narrative includes various journeys and quests, fitting the Adventure genre.

Tags

historical fiction · coming of age · family drama · literary fiction · world literature · mythology · folklore · religion · cultural identity · language · communication · power dynamics

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