Hannah Armstrong
The narrative centers on a woman reflecting on her past connection with a prominent figure from her youth, who is now the President. She recounts her efforts to secure a discharge for her sick son from the army, illustrating her determination and the lengths she goes to for her family. Initially, she attempts to communicate through letters, but her messages seem to fail, leading her to travel to Washington, D.C. Upon arriving, she faces obstacles in gaining access to the President, highlighting the barriers between ordinary citizens and those in power. Despite her initial setbacks, she persists, identifying herself as an old acquaintance from Illinois. This recognition allows her to finally meet the President, who responds warmly, reminiscing about their shared past and the simpler times when they were all part of a close-knit community. The encounter emphasizes themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the enduring connections formed through shared experiences. The President's willingness to engage with her reflects a human side to leadership, contrasting with the formalities of his office. The story captures the emotional weight of familial bonds and the lengths to which one will go for loved ones, set against the backdrop of historical events and personal memories.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction · 251 words
First lines
I wrote him a letter asking him for old times' sake To discharge my sick boy from the army;
But maybe he couldn't read it.
Then I went to town and had James Garber, Who wrote beautifully, write him a letter;
But maybe that was lost in the mails.
What this Textopian page supports
Hannah Armstrong is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Biography, Drama
- Length: 251 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Hannah Armstrong by Edgar Lee Masters
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative involves historical figures and events, particularly relating to Abraham Lincoln.
- Literary Fiction — The focus on character development and themes of personal connection and memory aligns with literary fiction.
- Biography — The poem reflects on the life and experiences of a character interacting with a historical figure.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Midwestern Setting · Small Town Life · Family Dynamics · Marriage · Isolation