How Roger Came Back Again
The novel revolves around a young woman who returns to her hometown after being away for several years. She reconnects with old friends and acquaintances, but also faces challenges and conflicts that test her relationships and sense of identity. As she navigates these complexities, the protagonist grapples with themes of love, loss, and personal growth. Her experiences serve as a catalyst for self-discovery and transformation, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of herself and her place in the world. Throughout the narrative, the author explores the tensions between tradition and modernity, highlighting the difficulties faced by individuals who seek to balance their own desires with societal expectations.
By Harriet Myrtle · First published 1864 · Genre: Children's Literature, Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction · 2,341 words
First lines
One summer day a rosy-cheeked country girl was walking along the busy streets of a crowded city. Once or twice she had asked her way, and her last direction made her turn into a narrow lane, and then into a narrower court. A few minutes before, she had been admiring the gay shop windows; now, she had to hold her breath, the air was so dreadfully bad, and to pick her way among black pools and gutters. No fresh breezes, no sunshine, could get in there, and all the poor little children that lived in the dirty houses round looked pale and ill. The young woman asked for No. 10; and when she he had found it she inquired for Roger Block, and was shewn into a room where there seemed to be a number of people and children crowded together almost in the dark. Roger was her little brother, and she knew his face among them all, long as it was since she had seen him, and sickly as he looked.
What this Textopian page supports
How Roger Came Back Again is listed on Textopian as a short story by Harriet Myrtle, dated 1864 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Harriet Myrtle
- Date: 1864 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction, Family, Adventure
- Length: 2,341 words
- Structure: 1 section, 30 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for How Roger Came Back Again by Harriet Myrtle
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering How Roger Came Back Again?
- How does this short story by Harriet Myrtle fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The story features a young protagonist, Roger, and is written in a simple, accessible style suitable for children.
- Coming-of-Age — The narrative follows Roger's journey from a city orphan to a contented farm worker, highlighting his personal growth and development.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and lifestyle depicted reflect a historical period, providing a glimpse into rural life and societal norms of the time.
- Family — The story emphasizes familial bonds, particularly between Roger and his sister Nancy, and the support they receive from others.
Tags
Victorian Fiction · Christian Literature · Moral Allegory · Coming-of-Age Story · Redemption Narrative · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Industrialization Era · English Novel · 19th Century Literature · Female Authorship · Protestant Themes