Deserted by Edward Bellamy (1898)
Edward Bellamy's Deserted is a novel set in the late 19th century, in a small town in the American Midwest. The story follows the lives of two families, the Wilsons and the Lanes, who have been neighbors for generations. The Wilsons are a prosperous family, while the Lanes are struggling to make ends meet. The Wilsons' son, John, is a successful lawyer, while the Lanes' son, Tom, is a struggling farmer. John and Tom have been friends since childhood, but their friendship is tested when John falls in love with Tom's sister, Mary. Tom is opposed to the relationship, and the two families become estranged. Meanwhile, a mysterious stranger arrives in town and begins to stir up trouble. He is a former soldier who has been dishonorably discharged from the army, and he is determined to get revenge on the Wilsons. The stranger's actions lead to a series of events that will have devastating consequences for both families. In the end, John and Mary must choose between their love and their loyalty to their families. Deserted is a gripping story of love, loyalty, and revenge, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America.
By Edward Bellamy · First published 1898 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance · 7,520 words
First lines
"What a glorious, all-satisfying country this Nevada desert would be, if one were only all eyes, and had no need of food, drink, and shelter! Would n't it, Miss Dwyer? Do you know, I 've no doubt that this is the true location of heaven. You see, the lack of water and vegetation would be no inconvenience to spirits, while the magnificent scenery and the cloudless sky would be just the thing to make them thrive."
What this Textopian page supports
Deserted is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edward Bellamy, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edward Bellamy
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Mystery
- Length: 7,520 words
- Structure: 1 section, 100 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Deserted by Edward Bellamy
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Deserted?
- How does this novel by Edward Bellamy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Pottss Painless Cure by Edward Bellamy
- A Summer Evenings Dream by Edward Bellamy
- Hooking Watermelons by Edward Bellamy
- Lost by Edward Bellamy
- A Love Story Reversed by Edward Bellamy
- The Cold Snap by Edward Bellamy
Genres
- Adventure — The book follows the protagonist's journey through a deserted land, encountering various obstacles and challenges along the way.
- Fantasy — The book contains elements of fantasy, such as mythical creatures and magical powers, which the protagonist must use to survive in the deserted land.
- Romance — The protagonist falls in love with a mysterious stranger during their journey, adding a romantic element to the story.
- Mystery — The protagonist must unravel the mystery of the deserted land in order to survive and find their way home.
Tags
19th century · Fiction · Short stories · Social life and customs · United States · air · car · cold · come · could · desert · dwyer