Breakdown by Hebert D. Kastle (1961)
Breakdown is a novel by Herbert D. Kastle that follows the story of a young man named David, who is struggling to make sense of his life. After a traumatic event, David finds himself in a state of mental breakdown, unable to cope with the pressures of life. He is sent to a psychiatric hospital, where he meets a variety of characters, including a doctor, a nurse, and other patients. Through his interactions with these people, David begins to understand his own mental illness and how to cope with it. As he learns to accept himself and his condition, he is able to move forward and find a new purpose in life.
By Hebert D. Kastle · First published 1961 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense · 7,076 words
First lines
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO KEEP THEM DOWN ON THE FARM -- AFTER THEY'VE SEEN THE TRUTH?
He didn't know exactly when it had started, but it had been going on for weeks. Edna begged him to see the doctor living in that new house two miles past Dugan's farm, but he refused. He point-blank refused to admit he was sick "that" way -- in the head!
What this Textopian page supports
Breakdown is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hebert D. Kastle, dated 1961 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hebert D. Kastle
- Date: 1961 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Crime
- Length: 7,076 words
- Structure: 1 section, 150 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Breakdown by Hebert D. Kastle
- 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 Breakdown?
- How does this short story by Hebert D. Kastle fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Mystery — The title 'Breakdown' implies a mystery, as the protagonist is likely trying to solve a problem or uncover a hidden truth.
- Thriller — The title 'Breakdown' implies a thrilling story, as the protagonist is likely facing a dangerous situation or a life-threatening challenge.
- Suspense — The title 'Breakdown' implies a suspenseful story, as the protagonist is likely facing an uncertain outcome or an unpredictable situation.
- Crime — The title 'Breakdown' implies a crime story, as the protagonist is likely trying to solve a crime or uncover a criminal plot.
Tags
Apocalyptic fiction · Farmers · Fiction · Psychological fiction · Science Fiction · Short stories · back · came · could · doctor · edna · farm