Justice by Ellen Glasgow (1916)
The novel revolves around the life of a young lawyer, David Blackburn, who returns to his hometown in Virginia after graduating from law school. He becomes involved in a case where a wealthy businessman, Fletcher Patton, is accused of murdering a rival. As David delves deeper into the case, he uncovers dark secrets and corruption that threaten to destroy the town's social hierarchy. Through his struggles, David must confront his own moral values and sense of justice.
By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Tragedy, Social Commentary · 109 words
First lines
They cursed her with the curse of God, They smote her with His awful Name: With brands of fire they branded her, And brands of shame.
She fell beside the road and lay Silent within the sounding place; A dog turned from the passers-by And licked her face.
Their anger melted into tears; They wept for her they had disowned -- They bore her to her grave, and then The dog they stoned.
What this Textopian page supports
Justice is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ellen Glasgow, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ellen Glasgow
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Tragedy, Social Commentary, Religious, Drama
- Length: 109 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Justice 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 Justice?
- How does this poem by Ellen Glasgow fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Pierrette by Honore De Balzac
- A Village Tragedy by Oscar Wilde
- Noblesse by Mary E. Wilkins
- Phases Of An Inferior Planet by Ellen Glasgow
- The Bandmasters Sister by Guy De Maupassant
- The Builders by Ellen Glasgow
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem with a clear rhythmic and rhyming pattern.
- Tragedy — The themes of suffering, social ostracism, and death are central to the narrative.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques societal norms and the harsh judgment of individuals.
- Religious — The use of religious imagery and references to God and divine punishment are prominent.
Tags
Social Commentary · Romance · Family Drama · Southern Gothic · Tragedy · Morality Tale · Courtroom Drama · Small Town Life · Rural Setting · Early 20th Century · American Literature · Class Conflict