The Descendants of Nabal
This novel explores the lives of a family descended from Nabal, a biblical figure known for his miserliness and refusal to help King David. The story follows their struggles with poverty, morality, and social class in 19th-century America. It delves into themes of greed, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions.
By Helen Hunt Jackson · First published 1887 · Genre: Social Commentary, Domestic Fiction, Psychological Fiction · 2,081 words
First lines
The line has never been broken, and they have married into respectable families, right and left, until to-day there can hardly be found a household which has not at least one to worry it.
They are not men and women of great passionate natures, who flame out now and then in an outbreak like a volcano, from which everybody runs. This, though terrible while it lasts, is soon over, and there are great compensations in such souls. Their love is worth having. Their tenderness is great. One can forgive them "seventy times seven," for the hasty words and actions of which they repent immediately with tears.
What this Textopian page supports
The Descendants of Nabal is listed on Textopian as a short story by Helen Hunt Jackson, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Social Commentary, Domestic Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Didactic Literature
- Length: 2,081 words
- Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Descendants of Nabal by Helen Hunt Jackson
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Descendants of Nabal?
- How does this short story by Helen Hunt Jackson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Social Commentary first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal behaviors, particularly focusing on the pervasive nature of grumbling and its impact on individuals and families.
- Domestic Fiction — The narrative explores family dynamics and interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the influence of individual attitudes on household harmony.
- Psychological Fiction — The work delves into the psychological aspects of human behavior, examining the mindset and consequences of habitual complaining.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text reflects on existential themes, questioning the nature of happiness and the human tendency to focus on discomforts.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century Novel · Family Saga · Western Frontier · Native American Relations · Colonialism · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Coming of Age · Identity Crisis · Cultural Clash
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