The Countersign of the Cradle
This novel explores the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations through the story of a young couple's marriage and its subsequent challenges. The narrative delves into themes of love, duty, and identity as the characters navigate their roles within the family and community.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1901 · Genre: Fiction, Short Story, Literary Fiction · 5,514 words
First lines
I cannot explain to you the connection between the two parts of this story. They were divided, in their happening, by a couple of hundred miles of mountain and forest. There were no visible or audible means of communication between the two scenes. But the events occurred at the same hour, and the persons who were most concerned in them were joined by one of those vital ties of human affection which seem to elude the limitations of time and space. Perhaps that was the connection. Perhaps love worked the miracle. I do not know. I only tell you the story.
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What this Textopian page supports
The Countersign of the Cradle is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1901 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Short Story, Literary Fiction, Drama, Mystery
- Length: 5,514 words
- Structure: 1 section, 80 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Countersign of the Cradle 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 Countersign of the Cradle?
- How does this novel by Henry Van Dyke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional story with invented characters and events.
- Short Story — The work is concise and focuses on a single incident or series of linked incidents.
- Literary Fiction — The story emphasizes character development and thematic depth over plot.
- Drama — The narrative contains emotional and relational conflicts, particularly involving family and personal redemption.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Philosophical Fiction · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Coming of Age · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Morality Tale