The Past by Ellen Glasgow (1907)
The novel explores the decline of the aristocracy in post-Civil War Virginia through the story of a family's struggles and relationships. The protagonist, a widow, returns to her childhood home with her daughter, seeking refuge from her unhappy marriage. As they settle into their new life, the mother reflects on her past, recalling memories of her own mother and the family's history. Meanwhile, her daughter becomes embroiled in a romantic triangle with two men, one a wealthy businessman and the other a poor but passionate artist. Through the characters' experiences, the novel examines themes of nostalgia, class, and the tension between tradition and progress.
By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1907 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Southern Gothic, Family Saga · 11,488 words
First lines
I had no sooner entered the house than I knew something was wrong. Though I had never been in so splendid a place before-it was one of those big houses just off Fifth Avenue-I had a suspicion from the first that the magnificence covered a secret disturbance. I was always quick to receive impressions, and when the black iron doors swung together behind me, I felt as if I were shut inside a prison.
What this Textopian page supports
The Past is listed on Textopian as a novella by Ellen Glasgow, dated 1907 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: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Southern Gothic, Family Saga, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 11,488 words
- Structure: 1 section, 171 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Past 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 Past?
- How does this novella by Ellen Glasgow fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Reunion by Ellen Glasgow
- The Miller Of Old Church by Ellen Glasgow
- The Deliverance by Ellen Glasgow
- Phases Of An Inferior Planet by Ellen Glasgow
- One Man In His Time by Ellen Glasgow
- The Wheel Of Life by Ellen Glasgow
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The plot is set in a specific historical period and reflects the social and cultural context of that time.
- Southern Gothic — The themes include decay, grotesque elements, and the Southern setting, which are characteristic of Southern Gothic literature.
- Family Saga — The narrative focuses on the lives and relationships of a family over an extended period.
- Psychological Fiction — The writing style delves deeply into the characters' inner thoughts and emotions.
Tags
Family Saga · Historical Fiction · Romance · Social Class · Southern Gothic · Tragedy · Marriage · Infidelity · Adultery · Secrets · Lies · Deception