The Old Folks' Party
The Old Folks' Party is a novel by Edward Bellamy, first published in 1891. It tells the story of a group of elderly people who, in the face of a changing world, decide to throw a party to celebrate their lives and their memories. The novel follows the lives of the elderly guests as they prepare for the party, and the events that unfold during the night. Through the characters, Bellamy explores themes of aging, nostalgia, and the changing nature of society. He also examines the relationships between the elderly and their younger relatives, and the importance of family and community. The novel is a poignant and touching look at the lives of the elderly, and the struggles they face in a world that is constantly changing. It is a reminder of the importance of cherishing the memories of the past, and of the value of the elderly in our society.
By Edward Bellamy · First published 1898 · Genre: Social Criticism, Realism, Romance · 8,483 words
First lines
"And now what shall we do next Wednesday evening?" said Jessie Hyde, in a business-like tone. "It is your turn, Henry, to suggest."
Jessie was a practical, energetic young lady, whose blue eyes never relapsed into the dreaminess to which that color is subject. She furnished the "go" for the club. Especially she furnished the "go" for Henry Long, who had lots of ideas, but without her to stir him up was as dull as a flint without a steel.
What this Textopian page supports
The Old Folks' Party is listed on Textopian as a novella 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: Novella
- Author: Edward Bellamy
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Social Criticism, Realism, Romance
- Length: 8,483 words
- Structure: 1 section, 152 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Old Folks' Party 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 The Old Folks' Party?
- How does this novella by Edward Bellamy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Social Criticism first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Social Criticism — The Old Folks' Party is a short story by Edward Bellamy that critiques the social and economic conditions of the late 19th century. It follows the story of an elderly couple who are struggling to make ends meet and the consequences of their situation.
- Realism — The Old Folks' Party is a realistic portrayal of the struggles of the elderly in the late 19th century. Bellamy's writing style is straightforward and unembellished, focusing on the harsh realities of the couple's situation.
- Romance — The Old Folks' Party is a romantic story at its core, as it follows the story of an elderly couple who are struggling to make ends meet and the consequences of their situation. The story is ultimately a testament to the power of love and the importance of family.
Tags
19th century · Fiction · Short stories · Social life and customs · United States · age · club · fellows · fifty · folks · frank · george