Silences by Hervey Allen (1941)
The novel explores the lives of a group of people living in a small town in Pennsylvania during the late 19th century. It delves into themes of love, loss, and social class, highlighting the tensions between old money and new wealth. The story centers around a young woman who is struggling to come to terms with her family's declining fortunes and her own place within society. Her relationships with those around her are complex and often fraught, reflecting the societal pressures and expectations placed upon her. Throughout the novel, the author examines the ways in which social status and economic security can shape individual lives and relationships. The narrative is characterized by a sense of melancholy and introspection, as the characters grapple with their own desires and limitations. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced portrayal of small-town life during this period, revealing the intricate web of relationships and power dynamics that underpin it.
By Hervey Allen · First published 1941 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Reflective · 624 words
First lines
You who have known my city for a day And heard the music of her steepled bells, Then laughed, and passed along your vagrant way, Carrying only what the city tells To those who listen solely with their ears; You know St. Matthew's swinging harmonies, And old St. Michael's tale of golden years Far less like bells than chanted memories.
Yet there is something wanting in the song Of lyric youth with voice unschooled by pain.
What this Textopian page supports
Silences is listed on Textopian as a novel by Hervey Allen, dated 1941 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Hervey Allen
- Date: 1941 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Reflective, Urban, Elegiac
- Length: 624 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Silences by Hervey Allen
- 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 Silences?
- How does this novel by Hervey Allen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Presences by Hervey Allen
- The Seasons by Hervey Allen
- Middleton Garden by Hervey Allen
- The Man by Helen Hay Whitney
- The True Conqueror by John Gould Fletcher
- Bacchus Is Gone by Hervey Allen
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, and focuses on lyrical expression.
- Historical — The text references historical events and figures, such as the impact of war on the city, providing a sense of historical context.
- Reflective — The themes explore introspection and the deeper understanding of the city's essence beyond its surface, inviting contemplation.
- Urban — The setting and focus on the cityscape and its transformation over time highlight urban themes.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Literary Novel · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Coming-of-Age Story · Family Saga · Social Commentary · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Philosophical Themes · Existentialism · Human Condition