The King's Jewel (Half-Told Tales)
This collection of short stories revolves around the theme of morality and redemption through a series of half-told tales that are left unfinished by their narrators. The stories often feature characters who are struggling with their own flaws and weaknesses, and the narratives frequently break off at critical moments, leaving the reader to ponder the consequences of the characters' actions. The collection explores various moral dilemmas and philosophical questions, encouraging readers to think critically about the nature of right and wrong. Through the use of incomplete stories, the author invites readers to fill in the gaps and consider different possible outcomes, thereby engaging them more actively with the narrative. Ultimately, the collection presents a nuanced exploration of human nature, highlighting both the complexities and the flaws that make us who we are.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Fantasy, Allegory, Adventure · 1,243 words
First lines
There was an outcry at the door of the king's great hall, and suddenly a confusion arose. The guards ran thither swiftly, and the people were crowded together, pushing and thrusting as if to withhold some intruder. Out of the tumult came a strong voice shouting, "I will come in! I must see the false king! " But other voices cried, "Not so -- you are mad -- you shall not come in thus!"
Then the king said, "Let him come in as he will!"
What this Textopian page supports
The King's Jewel (Half-Told Tales) is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Allegory, Adventure, Philosophical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 1,243 words
- Structure: 1 section, 29 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The King's Jewel (Half-Told Tales) 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 The King's Jewel (Half-Told Tales)?
- How does this short story by Henry Van Dyke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Morning Star by H. Rider Haggard
- Beatrice by H. Rider Haggard
- Love Eternal by H. Rider Haggard
- The Adventures Of King Brian Connors by Herminie Templeton Kavanagh
- Heart Of The World by H. Rider Haggard
- The Worlds Desire by H. Rider Haggard
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves a king, a mysterious jewel, and a quest-like journey, all common elements in fantasy literature.
- Allegory — The story uses symbolic characters and events to convey deeper moral and philosophical meanings, particularly about truth and self-discovery.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey to protect and return the jewel involves challenges and perils, typical of adventure stories.
- Philosophical Fiction — The dialogue and themes explore existential questions about truth, value, and personal growth.
Tags
Fairy Tale · Fantasy · Adventure · Romance · Historical Fiction · Mythology · Magic Realism · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Friendship · Love Story · Royal Family