Jordan's End by Ellen Glasgow (1928)
The novel revolves around the Jordan family's struggles and decline in a small Virginia town during the late 19th century. The story centers on the family's patriarch, General Jordan, who has lost his fortune and is struggling to maintain his family's social status. His daughter, Gabriella, tries to revive the family's fortunes by marrying a wealthy businessman, but her efforts ultimately fail. Meanwhile, the General's son, David, becomes disillusioned with the family's values and leaves to pursue a more meaningful life. Through the Jordan family's story, the novel explores themes of social class, morality, and the decline of the aristocracy in post-Civil War America.
By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1928 · Genre: Southern Gothic, Psychological Fiction, Tragedy · 7,644 words
First lines
At the fork of the road there was the dead tree where buzzards were roosting, and through its boughs I saw the last flare of the sunset. On either side the November woods were flung in broken masses against the sky. When I stopped they appeared to move closer and surround me with vague, glimmering shapes. It seemed to me that I had been driving for hours; yet the ancient negro who brought the message had told me to follow the Old Stage Road till I came to Buzzard's Tree at the fork. "F'om dar on hit's moughty nigh ter Marse Jur'dn's place," the old man had assured me, adding tremulously, "en young Miss she sez you mus' come jes' ez quick ez you kin. " I was young then (that was more than thirty years ago), and I was just beginning the practice of medicine in one of the more remote counties of Virginia.
What this Textopian page supports
Jordan's End is listed on Textopian as a novella by Ellen Glasgow, dated 1928 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Ellen Glasgow
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Southern Gothic, Psychological Fiction, Tragedy, Historical Fiction, Family Saga
- Length: 7,644 words
- Structure: 1 section, 124 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Jordan's End by Ellen Glasgow
- 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 Jordan's End?
- How does this novella by Ellen Glasgow fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Southern Gothic first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Deliverance by Ellen Glasgow
- The Ancient Law by Ellen Glasgow
- The Miller Of Old Church by Ellen Glasgow
- Whispering Leaves by Ellen Glasgow
- Resurrection by Ellen Glasgow
- The Builders by Ellen Glasgow
Genres
- Southern Gothic — Explores decay and grotesque elements in a Southern setting.
- Psychological Fiction — Focuses on the mental and emotional states of characters.
- Tragedy — Centers on the downfall and suffering of the protagonist.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical period with attention to historical detail.
Tags
Romance · Family Drama · Social Class · Wealth · Power Struggle · Marriage · Love Triangle · Tragedy · Death · Grief · Mourning · Southern Gothic