Back River. "Medway Plantation"
The novel revolves around the decline of a Southern aristocratic family and their plantation, Medway, during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. The story explores themes of decay, loss, and the struggle to maintain social status in the face of changing circumstances. Through the experiences of the main characters, it portrays the complexities of Southern identity and the challenges faced by those who cling to a fading way of life.
By Hervey Allen · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Gothic · 610 words
First lines
Back River! What a name For yesterdays come back again today, Reborn to be tomorrows still the same -- A landgrave built it when the English came; Then men made houses well With cunning hands.
And service wore a nearer, feudal guise -- Witness the stone where "Rose, A faithful servant," lies.
What this Textopian page supports
Back River. "Medway Plantation" is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hervey Allen, dated 1935 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hervey Allen
- Date: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Gothic, Southern Gothic, Pastoral
- Length: 610 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Back River. "Medway Plantation" by Hervey Allen
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Back River. "Medway Plantation"?
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on imagery, rhythm, and metaphor, characteristic of poetry.
- Historical — References to historical elements such as landgraves, English settlers, and feudal service suggest a historical context.
- Gothic — The presence of decaying houses, ghostly imagery, and eerie atmospheres aligns with Gothic literature themes.
- Southern Gothic — The setting in the Southern United States, combined with decay and supernatural elements, fits the Southern Gothic genre.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Southern Gothic · Plantation Life · American Literature · 19th Century · Slavery · Racism · Social Commentary · Family Saga · Coming of Age · Moral Ambiguity · Guilt and Redemption