The Leaping Poll by Hervey Allen
This novel is a historical fiction account of the American Revolution. It focuses on the experiences of ordinary people during this period. The story follows several characters as they navigate the complexities and challenges of war. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, duty, and survival in the face of conflict.
By Hervey Allen · First published 1928 · Genre: Gothic, Horror, Historical Fiction · 779 words
First lines
At early morning when the earth grows cold, When river mists creep up, And those asleep are nearest death, She died.
The feather would not flutter in her breath; And those who long had watched her slipped away, Too weary then to weep; They could do that next day -- They left her lonely on the bed, Under a long, glistening sheet, in feeble tallow-shine, Rigid from muffled feet to swathed head.
What this Textopian page supports
The Leaping Poll is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hervey Allen, dated 1928 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: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic, Horror, Historical Fiction, Southern Gothic, Supernatural
- Length: 779 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Leaping Poll by Hervey Allen
- 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 Leaping Poll?
- How does this short story by Hervey Allen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Tiger Lilies by Hervey Allen
- The Wheel Of Life by Ellen Glasgow
- The Traveller by Ellen Glasgow
- Members Of The Family by Owen Wister
- One Man In His Time by Ellen Glasgow
- The Difference by Ellen Glasgow
Genres
- Gothic — The narrative features themes of death, resurrection, and supernatural occurrences, typical of Gothic literature.
- Horror — The story includes eerie and unsettling elements such as a reanimated corpse and a leaping skull, creating a sense of fear and dread.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and references to historical practices, such as the Turkish cure for pox, ground the story in a specific historical context.
- Southern Gothic — The presence of decay, grotesque imagery, and the Southern setting align with the characteristics of Southern Gothic literature.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Literature · Novel · Romance · Adventure · Coming-of-Age · Family Saga · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Love Story · Marriage · Infidelity