A Leaf of Spearmint
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his childhood home after many years away. He finds that the house has been sold and he must confront the reality of change and loss. The spearmint leaf serves as a symbol of nostalgia and the passing of time.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Memoir, Nature Writing, Coming-of-Age · 7,142 words
First lines
"_It puzzles me now, that I remember all these young impressions so, because I took no heed of them at the time whatever; and yet they come upon me bright, when nothing else is evident in the gray fog of experience._" -- R. D. BLACKMORE: _Lorna Doone_.
Of all the faculties of the human mind, memory is the one that is most easily "led by the nose. " There is a secret power in the sense of smell which draws the mind backward into the pleasant land of old times.
What this Textopian page supports
A Leaf of Spearmint is listed on Textopian as a novella by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Memoir, Nature Writing, Coming-of-Age, Adventure, Philosophical
- Length: 7,142 words
- Structure: 1 section, 52 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Leaf of Spearmint by Henry Van Dyke
- 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 A Leaf of Spearmint?
- How does this novella by Henry Van Dyke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Memoir first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Memoir — The narrative is a reflective account of personal experiences and memories, focusing on the author's past and the influence of his father.
- Nature Writing — The text vividly describes natural settings, particularly streams and fishing experiences, emphasizing the beauty and significance of nature.
- Coming-of-Age — The story follows the protagonist's growth and development from childhood to maturity, highlighting formative experiences.
- Adventure — The narrative includes various outdoor adventures, such as fishing trips and camping, which are central to the plot.
Tags
Fiction · Short Stories · American Literature · 19th Century · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Satire · Upper Class · Marriage · Love · Relationships