Old Friends and New
Old Friends and New is a collection of short stories by Gelett Burgess. The book features tales about various characters, including children, animals, and adults. Each story has its own unique plot and setting, but they all share the common theme of friendship and camaraderie. Some of the stories are humorous, while others are more serious in tone. Overall, Old Friends and New is a charming collection that celebrates the joys of companionship and community.
By Gelett Burgess · First published 1902 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary · 1,360 words
First lines
Old Friends, we say, are best, when some sudden disillusionment shakes our faith in a new comrade. So indeed they are, yet I count many newly made ties as stronger than those of my youth. "Keep close and hold my hand; I am afraid, for an old friend is coming! " Celestine once whispered to me while our love was young. How well I understood her panic! She was swung by the conflicting emotions of loyalty and oppression; her old friend had rights, but her new friend had privileges. With me, a stranger, she was frankly herself; with him, a familiar, she must be what he expected of her.
What this Textopian page supports
Old Friends and New is listed on Textopian as a poem by Gelett Burgess, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Gelett Burgess
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 1,360 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Old Friends and New by Gelett Burgess
- 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 Old Friends and New?
- How does this poem by Gelett Burgess fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Old Sunshine by Francis Hopkinson Smith
- My School Days by Edith Nesbit
- My School Days by Rolf Boldrewood
- Its An Owercome Sooth For Age An Youth by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Growing Up by Gelett Burgess
- The Quest Of Mr Teaby by Sarah Orne Jewett
Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — Explores deep themes of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth through reflective narrative.
- Literary Fiction — Focuses on character development and introspective prose rather than plot-driven action.
- Social Commentary — Addresses societal norms and the dynamics of human relationships and community.
- Psychological Fiction — Delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of characters, examining their motivations and conflicts.
Tags
friendship · nostalgia · relationships · memories · humor · life lessons · growth · change · community · adventure · reunion · sentimentality