The Schoolmistress's Story
The story revolves around a schoolmistress who lives on a small island with her niece and nephew. She receives a letter from the mainland stating that a ship has sunk, and she must prepare for survivors to arrive. The schoolmistress takes charge, organizing the villagers to provide aid and shelter to the expected survivors. As the night wears on, no one arrives, but the schoolmistress continues to wait, keeping the fires burning and the food warm.
By Edward Everett Hale · First published 1869 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Revenge, Satire · 490 words
First lines
You remind me of the impression that very speech made on me, as I heard Henry Chapin deliver it at an exhibition at Leicester Academy. I resolved then that I would free the slave, or perish in the attempt. But how? I, a woman -- disfranchised by the law? Ha! I saw!
What this Textopian page supports
The Schoolmistress's Story is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edward Everett Hale, dated 1869 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: 1869 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Revenge, Satire, Drama, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 490 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Schoolmistress's Story 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Schoolmistress's Story?
- 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?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The story is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and involves historical elements such as slavery and the Southern rebellion.
- Revenge — The central theme revolves around the protagonist's elaborate plan for revenge against the Southern states.
- Satire — The narrative employs irony and exaggeration to critique societal norms and the institution of slavery.
- Drama — The plot includes intense emotional and moral conflicts, particularly the protagonist's internal struggle and ultimate triumph.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century · Fiction · Novella · Education · Teaching · Women's Roles · Social Commentary · Rural Life · New England · Village Life · Community