The Doorway by Evelyn E. Smith
The story revolves around a young woman who discovers she has the ability to switch bodies with other people when she touches them. She uses this power to help others and herself, but soon finds herself in a complex web of relationships and moral dilemmas.
By Evelyn E. Smith · First published 1958 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Psychological Fiction · 2,037 words
First lines
A man may wish he'd married his first love and not really mean it. But an insincere wish may turn ugly in dimensions unknown.
"It is my theory," Professor Falabella said, helping himself to a cookie, "that no one ever really makes a decision. What really happens is that whenever alternative courses of action are called for, the individuality splits up and continues on two or more divergent planes, very much like the parthenogenesis of a unicellular animal. Delicious cookies these, Mrs. Hughes."
What this Textopian page supports
The Doorway is listed on Textopian as a novel by Evelyn E. Smith, dated 1958 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Evelyn E. Smith
- Date: 1958 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, Drama
- Length: 2,037 words
- Structure: 1 section, 57 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Doorway by Evelyn E. Smith
- 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 Doorway?
- How does this novel by Evelyn E. Smith fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Dark Dawn by Henry Kuttner
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- Blanket Shield by James Mcintyre
- The Chapter Ends by Poul Anderson
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The plot involves concepts of alternate realities and dimensions, central to science fiction.
- Fantasy — The idea of a 'Doorway' leading to other planes of existence introduces fantastical elements.
- Psychological Fiction — The story explores the inner thoughts and conflicts of the characters, particularly Bill's struggles with his decisions and reality.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and character-driven, focusing on themes of regret and existentialism.
Tags
Mystery · Thriller · Suspense · Fantasy · Adventure · Romance · Science Fiction · Female Protagonist · Portal Fantasy · Alternate Reality · Parallel Universe · Quest