The Builders by Ellen Glasgow (1911)

The novel explores the lives of several characters connected to a wealthy and influential family in Virginia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The story revolves around the struggles between tradition and progress, as embodied by the two main characters: the conservative and aristocratic General Malcolm and his niece, the progressive and independent Dorinda. Through their experiences, the novel examines themes such as social class, gender roles, and the decline of the Old South.

By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1911 · Genre: Southern Gothic, Historical Fiction, Social Commentary · 25 chapters · 128,480 words

First lines

The train was late that day, and when the old leather mail pouch was brought in, dripping wet, by Jonas, the negro driver, Mrs. Meade put down the muffler she was knitting, and received it reluctantly.

"At least there aren't any bills at this time of the month," she observed, with the manner of one who has been designed by Providence to repel disaster.

What this Textopian page supports

The Builders is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ellen Glasgow, dated 1911 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: 1911 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Southern Gothic, Historical Fiction, Social Commentary, Realism, Drama
• Length: 128,480 words
• Structure: 25 chapters, 2,078 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Builders 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 Builders?
• How does this novel 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 Romance Of A Plain Man by Ellen Glasgow
• The Ancient Law by Ellen Glasgow
• The Miller Of Old Church by Ellen Glasgow
• Phases Of An Inferior Planet by Ellen Glasgow
• The Difference by Ellen Glasgow

Genres

• Southern Gothic — Explores themes of decay and grotesque elements in a Southern setting.
• Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical period with attention to historical detail.
• Social Commentary — Critiques social structures and norms of the time.
• Realism — Depicts everyday life and society with a focus on character development and social issues.

Tags

American Literature · Novel · Social Commentary · Family Drama · Historical Fiction · Romance · Tragedy · Southern Gothic · Class Conflict · Industrialization · Capitalism · Labor Rights

Contents

• CAROLINE
• IN BLACKBURN'S LIBRARY
• THE TIME
• READJUSTMENTS
• BRIARLAY
• MAN'S WOMAN
• ANGELICA
• THE MARTYR
• THE FIRST NIGHT
• THE CHOICE
• LETTY
• ANGELICA'S TRIUMPH
• CAROLINE MAKES DISCOVERIES
• COURAGE
• BLACKBURN
• THE CEDARS
• ANGELICA'S CHARITY
• THE YEARS AHEAD
• OTHER DISCOVERIES
• THE LIGHT ON THE ROAD
• THE SACRED CULT
• THE LETTER
• THE WORLD'S VIEW OF AN UNFORTUNATE MARRIAGE
• THE VISION
• INDIRECT INFLUENCE

More by Ellen Glasgow

• The Deliverance (1904)
• The Battle Ground (1902)
• 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)
• All works by Ellen Glasgow