The White People

Name: The White People
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett

The story revolves around Cecilia, a young girl who lives with her mother and brother in a small cottage surrounded by nature. The family's life is simple yet happy until the arrival of their uncle, who brings with him his spoiled and arrogant daughter, Horatia. As the two girls grow up together, they develop contrasting personalities, with Cecilia being kind and gentle, while Horatia is selfish and cruel.

By Frances Hodgson Burnett · First published 1917 · Genre: Fantasy, Coming-of-Age, Gothic Fiction · 10 chapters · 24,955 words

First lines

Perhaps the things which happened could only have happened to me. I do not know. I never heard of things like them happening to any one else. But I am not sorry they did happen. I am in secret deeply and strangely glad. I have heard other people say things -- and they were not always sad people, either -- which made me feel that if they knew what I know it would seem to them as though some awesome, heavy load they had always dragged about with them had fallen from their shoulders. To most people everything is so uncertain that if they could only see or hear and know something clear they would drop upon their knees and give thanks. That was what I felt myself before I found out so strangely, and I was only a girl. That is why I intend to write this down as well as I can. It will not be very well done, because I never was clever at all, and always found it difficult to talk.

What this Textopian page supports

The White People is listed on Textopian as a novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, dated 1917 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Date: 1917 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Coming-of-Age, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Length: 24,955 words
Structure: 10 chapters, 394 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The narrative includes elements of the supernatural, such as the protagonist's interactions with a mystical girl and the presence of wild-looking men, suggesting a blend of reality and fantasy.
Coming-of-Age — The story follows the protagonist's growth and self-discovery as she navigates her unique childhood experiences and relationships.
Gothic Fiction — The setting of Muircarrie Castle and the themes of isolation, death, and the supernatural contribute to a gothic atmosphere.
Historical Fiction — The story is set in a historical context, reflecting the social and cultural aspects of Scotland during the time.