The Bushwhacker Nurse. the Daughter of the House
A young woman, dissatisfied with societal constraints during wartime, decides to become a nurse, rejecting the formalities of military service. She envisions herself as a "bushwhacker nurse," independent and free from control. Almia, her name, prepares for her role by equipping herself with supplies and a pistol, embodying a spirit of adventure. She ventures to the battlefield, determined to help the wounded without being bound by military orders. Upon arriving, she witnesses a duel between two soldiers and instinctively rushes to aid the wounded man. As she navigates the chaos of war, she asserts her authority over both soldiers, declaring them her prisoners to ensure her safety. Almia's boldness leads her to confront a general, ultimately halting the battle by threatening him with her pistol. Her actions result in a ceasefire, and she gains recognition for her bravery. However, upon returning home, she faces the reality of her feelings for the soldiers. A letter from one reveals his gratitude and family ties, while a visit from the other leaves her heartbroken, as he views her merely as an acquaintance. The story concludes with Almia reflecting on her experiences, realizing the complexities of love and independence amidst the backdrop of war.
By Frank R. Stockton · First published 1895 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance · 10,358 words
First lines
The Daughter of the House, her fair cheeks a little flushed, walked rapidly down the broad centre path of the garden, looking for John Gayther, the gardener. She soon saw him at work in a bed of tomato-plants.
"John," said she, "I have just finished composing a story, and I came out to tell it to you before I write it. I want to do this because you compose stories yourself which in some ways are a good deal like this of mine. But I can't tell it to you out here in the sun. Isn't there something you can do in your little house? Haven't you some pea-sticks to sharpen?"
What this Textopian page supports
The Bushwhacker Nurse. the Daughter of the House is listed on Textopian as a novella by Frank R. Stockton, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Frank R. Stockton
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Drama, Western
- Length: 10,358 words
- Structure: 1 section, 128 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Bushwhacker Nurse. the Daughter of the House by Frank R. Stockton
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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- How does this novella by Frank R. Stockton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Colonels Boy by Stanley J. Weyman
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — Set during a specific historical period with accurate historical details.
- Adventure — Features exciting and risky undertakings by the characters.
- Romance — Contains romantic relationships as a central theme.
- Drama — Focuses on emotional and relational development of characters.
Tags
historical fiction · Civil War · nursing · female protagonist · adventure · romance · family dynamics · survival · American history · conflict · courage · resilience