Kennedy Square

Name: Kennedy Square
Author: Francis Hopkinson Smith

Kennedy Square is a novel by Francis Hopkinson Smith that was published in 1897. The story takes place in the city of New Orleans and follows the lives of several characters who live near Kennedy Square. The main character, Colonel Thornton, is a wealthy man who has recently lost his wife and daughter. He becomes involved with a young woman named Marion, who is struggling to make ends meet after her father's death. As their relationship develops, they must navigate the social and cultural norms of 19th century New Orleans. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and redemption, as well as the complexities of race and class in the American South.

By Francis Hopkinson Smith · First published 1867 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama · 32 chapters · 153,750 words

First lines

On the precise day on which this story opens -- some sixty or more years ago, to be exact -- a bullet-headed, merry-eyed, mahogany-colored young darky stood on the top step of an old-fashioned, high-stoop house, craning his head up and down and across Kennedy Square in the effort to get the first glimpse of his master, St. George Wilmot Temple, attorney and counsellor-at-law, who was expected home from a ducking trip down the bay.

What this Textopian page supports

Kennedy Square is listed on Textopian as a novel by Francis Hopkinson Smith, dated 1867 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Francis Hopkinson Smith
Date: 1867 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama, Social Commentary, Literary Fiction
Length: 153,750 words
Structure: 32 chapters, 2,251 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Kennedy Square by Francis Hopkinson 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 Kennedy Square?
How does this novel by Francis Hopkinson Smith fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — Set in the 19th century, it explores historical events and societal norms of the time.
Romance — Central to the plot is a romantic relationship that drives much of the narrative.
Drama — The story involves intense character development and emotional themes.
Social Commentary — Addresses social issues and class distinctions prevalent in the era.