The Lost Word by Henry Van Dyke
The story revolves around a young man who embarks on a journey to find the meaning of life and his place in the world. He encounters various people and experiences that challenge his perceptions and force him to confront his own limitations. As he travels, he meets a wise old man who teaches him about the importance of living in the present moment and letting go of attachments to material possessions and social status. The young man also encounters a group of people who are struggling with their own personal demons, and through his interactions with them, he gains a deeper understanding of the human condition. Throughout his journey, the young man grapples with questions about the nature of reality and the meaning of life. He begins to realize that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, and that one must look inward for answers rather than seeking external validation or material possessions. Ultimately, the young man comes to a profound realization about the nature of existence and his place in it. He learns to let go of his ego and attachments, and finds a sense of peace and contentment that he had been searching for throughout his journey.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1906 · Genre: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction · 12,679 words
First lines
"Come down, Hermas, come down! The night is past. It is time to be stirring. Christ is born today. Peace be with you in His name. Make haste and come down!"
A little group of young men were standing in a street of Antioch, in the dusk of early morning, fifteen hundred years ago -- a class of candidates who had nearly finished their years of training for the Christian church. They had come to call their fellow-student Hermas from his lodging.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lost Word is listed on Textopian as a novella by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1906 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: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Fantasy, Drama
- Length: 12,679 words
- Structure: 1 section, 173 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Lost Word 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 Lost Word?
- How does this novella by Henry Van Dyke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Religious Fiction — The narrative centers around themes of faith, spiritual struggle, and redemption, with a strong focus on Christian beliefs and teachings.
- Historical Fiction — Set in ancient Antioch, the story incorporates historical elements and figures, providing a backdrop that reflects the early Christian era.
- Philosophical Fiction — The book explores existential questions and the protagonist's internal conflict regarding faith, purpose, and the meaning of life.
- Fantasy — The inclusion of magical elements, such as the mysterious old man and the supernatural bargain, adds a fantastical layer to the narrative.
Tags
Fiction · Philosophy · Mystery · Adventure · Fantasy · Literary Fiction · Classic · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Symbolism · Allegory · Coming of Age