The Mother by Francis Sherman (1924)
Francis Sherman's novel The Mother tells the story of a woman named Sarah who struggles to balance her responsibilities as a mother with her own personal desires and ambitions. Throughout the book, Sarah grapples with feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and resentment towards her children and husband, while also trying to find fulfillment in her career and relationships outside of her family. The novel explores themes of motherhood, identity, and societal expectations for women, and ultimately asks the question: can a woman truly have it all?
By Francis Sherman · First published 1924 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Lyric · 268 words
First lines
The long dark night crawled slowly on; I waited patiently, Knowing at last the sudden dawn, Sometime, would surely be.
It came, -- to tell me everything Was Winter's quiet slave: I waited still, aware that Spring Was strong to come and save.
And then Spring came, and I was glad A few expectant hours; Until I learned the things I had Were only withered flowers
Because there came not with the Spring As in the ancient days -- The sound of his feet pattering Along Spring's open ways;
What this Textopian page supports
The Mother is listed on Textopian as a short story by Francis Sherman, dated 1924 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Francis Sherman
- Date: 1924 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Lyric, Pastoral, Sentimental
- Length: 268 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Mother by Francis Sherman
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Mother?
- How does this short story by Francis Sherman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- Mother by Gilbert Parker
- A Father To A Mother by George Macdonald
- The Mother And Son by Samuel Warren
- Red Pepper Burns by Grece S. Richmond
- The Nest by Gilbert Parker
- Bairnie by Gilbert Parker
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Elegy — The themes of loss and mourning are central to the text, reflecting on the death of a child.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, focusing on the speaker's inner experience.
- Pastoral — The imagery of nature and seasons is prominent, symbolizing the cycle of life and death.
Tags
family · motherhood · relationships · love · sacrifice · identity · loss · grief · nurturing · conflict · growth · resilience