The Battle Ground by Ellen Glasgow

The novel revolves around the life of a Virginia family from the antebellum era to the early 20th century, exploring themes of social change, moral decay, and the decline of aristocracy. The story centers on the Battlefield family, particularly the women, who struggle with their own desires, societal expectations, and the loss of their privileged way of life.

By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1902 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Southern Literature, Romance · 40 chapters · 160,128 words

First lines

Toward the close of an early summer afternoon, a little girl came running along the turnpike to where a boy stood wriggling his feet in the dust.

"Old Aunt Ailsey's done come back," she panted, "an' she's conjured the tails off Sambo's sheep. I saw 'em hanging on her door!"

What this Textopian page supports

The Battle Ground is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ellen Glasgow, dated 1902 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Ellen Glasgow
• Date: 1902 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Historical Fiction, Southern Literature, Romance, War Fiction, Social Commentary
• Length: 160,128 words
• Structure: 40 chapters, 2,894 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Battle Ground 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 The Battle Ground?
• How does this novel by Ellen Glasgow fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• The Ancient Law by Ellen Glasgow
• The Wheel Of Life by Ellen Glasgow
• Virginia by Ellen Glasgow
• Whispering Leaves by Ellen Glasgow
• Phases Of An Inferior Planet by Ellen Glasgow
• Dares Gift by Ellen Glasgow

Genres

• Historical Fiction — Set during the American Civil War, focusing on historical events and societal changes.
• Southern Literature — Explores themes and settings specific to the Southern United States.
• Romance — Contains romantic relationships that drive much of the character development and plot.
• War Fiction — Depicts the impact of war on individuals and society.

Tags

Romance · Historical Fiction · American Literature · Southern Gothic · Family Saga · Social Class · War and Military · American Civil War · Virginia Setting · Plantation Life · Slavery · Racial Tensions

Contents

• "DE HINE FOOT ER A HE FRAWG"
• THE MAJOR'S CHRISTMAS
• HOW MERRY GENTLEMEN WENT TO WAR
• THE RAGGED ARMY
• AT THE FULL OF THE MOON
• BETTY DREAMS BY THE FIRE
• THE DAY'S MARCH
• A STRAGGLER FROM THE RANKS
• THE COMING OF THE BOY
• DAN AND BETTY
• THE REIGN OF THE BRUTE
• THE CABIN IN THE WOODS
• A HOUSE WITH AN OPEN DOOR
• LOVE IN A MAZE
• AFTER THE BATTLE
• IN THE SILENCE OF THE GUNS
• THE SCHOOL FOR GENTLEMEN
• THE MAJOR LOSES HIS TEMPER
• THE WOMAN'S PART
• "THE PLACE THEREOF"
• COLLEGE DAYS
• THE MEETING IN THE TURNPIKE
• ON THE ROAD TO ROMNEY
• THE PEACEFUL SIDE OF WAR
• IF THIS BE LOVE
• "I WAIT MY TIME"
• THE SILENT BATTLE
• BETTY'S UNBELIEF
• THE ALTAR OF THE WAR GOD
• THE LAST STAND
• THE MONTJOY BLOOD
• THE MONTJOY BLOOD AGAIN
• IN THE HOUR OF DEFEAT
• THE ROAD AT MIDNIGHT
• ON THE MARCH AGAIN
• AT MERRY OAKS TAVERN
• THE RETURN
• THE NIGHT OF FEAR
• CRABBED AGE AND CALLOW YOUTH
• THE HUSH BEFORE THE STORM

More by Ellen Glasgow

• The Deliverance (1904)
• Life and Gabriella (1916)
• The Wheel of Life (1906)
• One Man in His Time (1922)
• The Voice of the People (1900)
• The Miller of Old Church (1901)
• Virginia (1913)
• The Romance of a Plain Man (1926)
• All works by Ellen Glasgow