The Blindman by Hervey Allen (1927)
The novel revolves around the life of a blind man who lives in a small town. He possesses exceptional hearing and memory skills, which enable him to navigate his surroundings and recall events with remarkable accuracy. As he navigates his daily routine, the blindman forms connections with various townspeople, including a young woman who becomes infatuated with him. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that she is already engaged to be married. The novel explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and the human need for connection. Through the blindman's experiences, it highlights the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which people interact with one another. Throughout the story, the author delves into the psychological aspects of the characters' motivations and emotions, creating a nuanced portrayal of their inner lives. The novel ultimately raises questions about the nature of reality and how our perceptions shape our understanding of the world around us.
By Hervey Allen · First published 1927 · Genre: Poetry, Tragedy, War · 1,444 words
First lines
A Ballad of Nogent l'Artaud.
At Nogent, on the river Marne, I passed a burning house and barn.
What this Textopian page supports
The Blindman is listed on Textopian as a novella by Hervey Allen, dated 1927 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Hervey Allen
- Date: 1927 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Tragedy, War, Drama, Historical
- Length: 1,444 words
- Structure: 1 section, 61 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Blindman 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 The Blindman?
- How does this novella by Hervey Allen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Doomed by Hervey Allen
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- White Light by Hervey Allen
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a ballad, featuring rhyme and meter typical of poetic forms.
- Tragedy — The narrative centers on loss and despair, particularly the blindman's tragic discovery of his daughter's death.
- War — The backdrop of the story includes the chaos and destruction associated with war, impacting the characters' lives.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and dramatic interactions between characters highlight personal and societal conflicts.
Tags
Historical Fiction · War Novel · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Novel of the American Civil War · Southern Gothic · Coming-of-Age Story · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Literary Realism · Social Commentary · Family Drama