An Accursed Race
The narrative revolves around the Cagot people, a despised and oppressed ethnic group residing in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. The story delves into their history, customs, and struggles, highlighting the prejudices and injustices they face from the dominant societies surrounding them. Through the character of a young Cagot woman, the narrative explores themes of identity, community, and social hierarchy, ultimately portraying the Cagots as a resilient people who maintain their dignity despite centuries of persecution.
By Elizabeth Gaskell · First published 1855 · Genre: Historical, Non-fiction, Sociological · 7,384 words
First lines
We have our prejudices in England. Or, if that assertion offends any of my readers, I will modify it: we have had our prejudices in England. We have tortured Jews; we have burnt Catholics and Protestants, to say nothing of a few witches and wizards. We have satirized Puritans, and we have dressed-up Guys. But, after all, I do not think we have been so bad as our Continental friends. To be sure, our insular position has kept us free, to a certain degree, from the inroads of alien races; who, driven from one land of refuge, steal into another equally unwilling to receive them; and where, for long centuries, their presence is barely endured, and no pains is taken to conceal the repugnance which the natives of "pure blood" experience towards them.
What this Textopian page supports
An Accursed Race is listed on Textopian as a novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, dated 1855 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Elizabeth Gaskell
- Date: 1855 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical, Non-fiction, Sociological, Essay
- Length: 7,384 words
- Structure: 1 section, 58 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Historical — The book explores historical events and societal issues.
- Non-fiction — The narrative is based on real historical accounts and observations.
- Sociological — The themes focus on social dynamics and cultural analysis.
- Essay — The writing style is analytical and expository, typical of essays.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Racism · Prejudice · Social Commentary · 19th Century · British Literature · Victorian Era · Short Story · Religion · Catholicism · Protestantism · Anti-Semitism