The Crouch Oak by Grant Allen (1895)
The Crouch Oak is a novel by Grant Allen that tells the story of a young man named Ralph who inherits an old oak tree from his grandfather. The tree, known as the Crouch Oak, has been in Ralph's family for generations and holds great sentimental value to him. As he begins to uncover the secrets of the tree's past, Ralph discovers that it may hold the key to a long-lost treasure. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and challenges, including a rival family who also claims ownership of the tree. In the end, Ralph must decide whether to pursue his own selfish desires or to honor the legacy of his ancestors by preserving the Crouch Oak for future generations.
By Grant Allen · First published 1895 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Cultural Commentary · 1,141 words
First lines
THE old Crouch Oak on Walford Green is one of the sights of Surrey. It raises its gnarled and hollow trunk in the centre of the Ploy-Field, an ancient common meadow, and though decayed in its heart, is reckoned still among the principal bounds of Ringmer Forest. Its girth at the height of a man's arms is over twenty feet. Beneath its spreading branches stands an upright stone of immemorial antiquity, which only the righteous wrath of a local archeologist succeeded in preserving a few years since from the modern desecration of a Jubilee inscription. This close combination of sacred tree and sacred stone is frequent and significant; it occurs all the world over, from Britain to the New Hebrides; it is found in India, in Syria, in Germany, in Ceylon, in civilized Rome, in barbaric New Guinea. Wherever the sacred tree spreads its brooding circle of welcome shade, there under its huge boughs the sacred stone bears witness to antique or still surviving rites of human sacrifice.
What this Textopian page supports
The Crouch Oak is listed on Textopian as a short story by Grant Allen, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Grant Allen
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Cultural Commentary, Folklore, Anthropology
- Length: 1,141 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative explores historical and cultural themes, focusing on ancient customs and the transformation of pagan sites into Christian ones.
- Mystery — The text delves into the mysterious origins and significance of sacred trees and stones, hinting at ancient rituals and sacrifices.
- Cultural Commentary — The work provides insights into the cultural and religious shifts from paganism to Christianity, reflecting on societal changes.
- Folklore — The story incorporates elements of folklore, such as local traditions and myths surrounding sacred trees and stones.
Tags
nature · trees · mystery · adventure · folklore · supernatural · historical · rural · landscape · friendship · exploration · local legends