The Art of Leaving Off
This novel explores the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of one's choices. It revolves around a young woman who must navigate her complicated past and present to find a sense of belonging and identity. Through her journey, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, raising questions about the nature of happiness and fulfillment.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1907 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Short Story, Literary Fiction · 3,208 words
First lines
It was a hot August Sunday, one of those days on which art itself must not be made too long lest it should shorten life. A little company of us had driven down from our hotel on the comparatively breezy hill to attend church in the village. The majority chose to pay their devotions at the big yellow meeting-house, where the preacher was reputed a man of eloquence; but my Uncle Peter drew me with him to the modest gray chapel, at the far end of the street, which was temporarily under the care of a student in the winter-school of theology, who was wisely spending his vacation in the summer-school of life. Some happy inspiration led the young man to select one of Lyman Abbott's shortest and simplest sermons, -- itself a type of the mercy which it commended, -- and frankly read it to us instead of pronouncing a discourse of his own. The result of this was that we came out of chapel at a quarter past eleven in a truly grateful and religious frame of mind.
What this Textopian page supports
The Art of Leaving Off is listed on Textopian as an essay by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1907 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: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Short Story, Literary Fiction, Religious Fiction, Satire
- Length: 3,208 words
- Structure: 1 section, 27 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Art of Leaving Off 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Art of Leaving Off?
- How does this essay by Henry Van Dyke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- If To Be Left Were To Be Left Alone by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Without Frontiers by Oscar Wilde
- Why by Leo Tolstoy
- Reading The Secret Thought by Thiruvalluvar
- God In The Wheels by Archibald Alexander
- Standing In Line And Walking by Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — Explores themes of life's meaning, the art of ending, and philosophical reflections on existence.
- Short Story — The narrative is concise, focusing on a specific event and conversation, typical of short story structure.
- Literary Fiction — Emphasizes character development and thematic depth over plot, with a focus on language and style.
- Religious Fiction — Contains discussions on religious practices and reflections on spiritual life.
Tags
Philosophy · Self-Discovery · Personal Growth · Spirituality · Meditation · Mindfulness · Existentialism · Absurdism · Nihilism · Human Condition · Meaning of Life · Purpose