Breaking the Will
The novel revolves around a young girl's struggle for independence and self-discovery amidst the societal constraints of her time. It explores themes of identity, morality, and the complexities of human relationships. The story delves into the protagonist's inner turmoil as she navigates her desires and obligations, ultimately leading to a transformative experience that shapes her future.
By Helen Hunt Jackson · First published 1881 · Genre: Essay, Non-fiction, Parenting · 3,472 words
First lines
This phrase is going out of use. It is high time it did. If the thing it represents would also cease, there would be stronger and freer men and women. But the phrase is still sometimes heard; and there are still conscientious fathers and mothers who believe they do God service in setting about the thing.
I have more than once said to a parent who used these words, "Will you tell me just what you mean by that? Of course you do not mean exactly what you say."
What this Textopian page supports
Breaking the Will is listed on Textopian as a short story by Helen Hunt Jackson, dated 1881 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Helen Hunt Jackson
- Date: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Essay, Non-fiction, Parenting, Philosophy, Psychology
- Length: 3,472 words
- Structure: 1 section, 56 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Breaking the Will by Helen Hunt Jackson
- 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 Breaking the Will?
- How does this short story by Helen Hunt Jackson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Essay first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Between Whiles by Helen Hunt Jackson
- Civic Banquets by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- The Ready To Halts by Helen Hunt Jackson
- Hunting Worse Than Slavery by Leo Tolstoy
- The Good Staff Of Pleasure by Helen Hunt Jackson
- Jog Trot by Helen Hunt Jackson
Genres
- Essay — The work is a reflective and argumentative piece discussing the concept of will-breaking in children, presenting a philosophical and moral argument.
- Non-fiction — The text is based on real-life observations and experiences, aiming to convey truths about parenting and child development.
- Parenting — The central theme revolves around parenting techniques and the impact of will-breaking versus educating a child's will.
- Philosophy — The work delves into philosophical discussions about free will, authority, and moral development.
Tags
American Literature · Feminism · Social Justice · Native American Rights · Colonialism · Exploitation · Oppression · Resistance · Empowerment · Autobiographical Fiction · Historical Fiction · 19th Century Literature
More by Helen Hunt Jackson
- Mammy Tittleback and Her Family: A True Story of Seventeen Cats (1886)
- Ramona (1884)
- Hetty's Strange History (1867)
- A Calendar of Sonnets (1882)
- Mercy Philbrick's Choice (1889)
- Between Whiles (1887)
- Draxy Miller's Dowry (1881)
- The Elder's Wife. Sequel to "Draxy Miller's Dowry. " (1882)
- All works by Helen Hunt Jackson