The Old and the New, Face to Face. A Thumb-Nail
The story revolves around a young American who travels to Europe and becomes acquainted with an aristocratic family. He falls in love with the daughter but faces opposition from her family due to his lack of social standing. The novel explores themes of social class, identity, and cultural differences between old and new worlds.
By Edward Everett Hale · First published 1862 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Social Commentary, Literary Fiction · 4,449 words
First lines
[This essay was published in Sartain's Magazine, in 1852, as "A Thumb-nail Sketch," having received one of ten premiums which Mr. Sartain offered to encourage young writers. It had been written a few years earlier, some time before the studies of St. Paul's life by Conybeare and Howson, now so well known, were made public. The chronology of my essay does not precisely agree with that of these distinguished scholars. But I make no attempt now either to recast the essay or to discuss the delicate and complicated questions which belong to the chronology of Paul's life or to that of Nero; for there is no question with regard to the leading facts. At the end of twenty years I may again express the wish that some master competent to the greatest themes might take the trial of Paul as the subject of a picture.]
What this Textopian page supports
The Old and the New, Face to Face. A Thumb-Nail Sketch is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edward Everett Hale, dated 1862 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edward Everett Hale
- Date: 1862 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Social Commentary, Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 4,449 words
- Structure: 1 section, 46 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Old and the New, Face to Face. A Thumb-Nail Sketch by Edward Everett Hale
- 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 and the New, Face to Face. A Thumb-Nail Sketch?
- How does this short story by Edward Everett Hale fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Daily Bread by Edward Everett Hale
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- The Cost Of Kindness by K. Jerome
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book juxtaposes historical and contemporary elements, exploring their interactions.
- Social Commentary — It provides insights and critiques on societal changes and developments.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style and thematic depth align with literary fiction conventions.
- Philosophical Fiction — It delves into philosophical discussions about progress and tradition.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century · Historical Fiction · Social Commentary · Philosophical · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Moral Dilemma · Conflict Resolution · Personal Growth · Self-Discovery · Spiritual Journey