A Sturdy Believer by Henry Van Dyke
The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her hometown after years abroad and becomes involved with a local minister. She struggles with her faith and the societal expectations placed upon her. The narrative explores themes of spirituality, morality, and personal identity.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1908 · Genre: Biography, Literary Criticism, Historical · 5,912 words
First lines
When James Boswell, Esq., wrote _The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL. D._, he not only achieved his purpose of giving the world "a rich intellectual treasure," but also succeeded in making himself a subject of permanent literary interest.
What this Textopian page supports
A Sturdy Believer is listed on Textopian as an essay by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Biography, Literary Criticism, Historical, Religious, Philosophical
- Length: 5,912 words
- Structure: 1 section, 37 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Sturdy Believer by Henry Van Dyke
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Sturdy Believer?
- How does this essay by Henry Van Dyke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Biography first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Biography — The text focuses on the life and character of Samuel Johnson, detailing his personal and professional experiences.
- Literary Criticism — The work includes analysis and commentary on Johnson's literary style and contributions.
- Historical — The narrative provides insights into the historical context of the 18th century, particularly in relation to Johnson's life and times.
- Religious — The text explores Johnson's religious beliefs and their influence on his life and work.
Tags
Christian Fiction · Mystery · Thriller · Psychological Thriller · Suspense · Crime Fiction · Detective Story · Whodunit · Small Town Secrets · Faith-Based Mystery · Religious Themes · Morality Play