The Dean´s Watch
The Dean's Watch is a classic novel by French authors Erckmann-Chatrian. It tells the story of a small village in Alsace, France, and the people who live there. The main character is the Dean of the village, a kindly old man who is beloved by all. One day, the Dean receives a mysterious watch as a gift from a stranger. The watch has a strange power, and the Dean soon discovers that it can stop time. He uses the watch to help the people of the village, but soon finds himself in danger when a group of robbers come to town. The Dean must use the watch to save the village and himself from the robbers. In the end, the Dean learns the true value of friendship and loyalty.
By Erckmann-Chatrian · First published 1897 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Mystery · 2 chapters · 9,292 words
First lines
On the day before Christmas of the year 1832, my friend Wilfred, with his double-bass slung over his back, and I, with my violin under my arm, started to walk from the Black Forest to Heidelberg. It was unusually snowy weather; as far as we could see across the great, deserted plain, there was no trace of road nor path. The wind kept up its harsh aria with monotonous persistency, and Wilfred, with his flattened wallet at his belt, and the vizor of his cap drawn over his eyes, moved on before me, straddling the drifts with his long, heron legs, and whistling a gay tune to keep up his spirits. Now and then, he would turn around with a waggish smile, and cry: "Comrade, let's have the waltz from 'Robin,' I feel like dancing." A burst of laughter followed these words, and then the good fellow would resume his march courageously. I followed on as well as I could, up to my knees in snow, and I felt a sense of melancholy take possession of me.
What this Textopian page supports
The Dean´s Watch is listed on Textopian as a novel by Erckmann-Chatrian, dated 1897 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Erckmann-Chatrian
- Date: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Adventure
- Length: 9,292 words
- Structure: 2 chapters, 48 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Dean´s Watch by Erckmann-Chatrian
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Dean´s Watch?
- How does this novel by Erckmann-Chatrian fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The Dean's Watch is set in the 19th century and follows the story of a young man who inherits a watch from his deceased father, a former dean. The story is based on real events and characters, making it a historical fiction novel.
- Romance — The Dean's Watch follows the romantic relationship between the protagonist and his love interest, making it a romance novel.
- Mystery — The Dean's Watch follows the protagonist as he attempts to uncover the truth behind his father's death and the mysterious watch he inherited, making it a mystery novel.
- Adventure — The Dean's Watch follows the protagonist on a journey of self-discovery and adventure, making it an adventure novel.
Tags
Short stories · annette · back · bailiff · black · clock · cried · dame · door · eyes · go · good