The One-Legged Dancers
This novel explores the lives of a group of Native American women who are forced to adapt to the changing circumstances brought about by European colonization and the subsequent loss of their traditional way of life. The story centers around the struggles of these women, particularly in regards to their cultural identity, family relationships, and personal autonomy.
By Helen Hunt Jackson · First published 1865 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance · 21,746 words
First lines
Very early one morning in March, ten years ago, I was sitting alone on one of the crumbling ledges of the Coliseum: larks were singing above my head; wall-flowers were waving at my feet; a procession of chanting monks was walking slowly around the great cross in the arena below. I was on the highest tier, and their voices reached me only as an indistinct wail, like the notes of a distant Aeolian harp; but the joyous sun and sky and songs, were darkened and dulled by their presence. A strange sadness oppressed me, and I sank into a deep reverie. I do not know how long I had been sitting there, when I was suddenly roused by a cry of pain, or terror, and the noise of falling stones.
What this Textopian page supports
The One-Legged Dancers is listed on Textopian as a novella by Helen Hunt Jackson, dated 1865 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Helen Hunt Jackson
- Date: 1865 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance, Social Commentary, Adventure
- Length: 21,746 words
- Structure: 1 section, 250 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The One-Legged Dancers 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 The One-Legged Dancers?
- How does this novella by Helen Hunt Jackson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Consul by Richard Harding Davis
- An Unfinished Story by Richard Harding Davis
- The Vagrant by Richard Harding Davis
- The Exiles by Richard Harding Davis
- The Promised Land by Owen Wister
- Under The Deck Awnings by Jack London
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical period, with events and characters influenced by historical contexts.
- Drama — The story focuses on intense character development and emotional themes, often involving conflict and resolution.
- Romance — The plot includes romantic relationships as a central theme, exploring love and personal connections.
- Social Commentary — The book addresses societal issues and critiques social norms through its characters and plot.
Tags
American Literature · Fiction · Historical Fiction · Native American · Drama · Social Commentary · Poverty · Suffering · Exploitation · Colonialism · Cultural Clash · Identity Crisis
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