Tiger Lilies by Hervey Allen (1930)
The novel revolves around the life of a young woman who returns to her family's estate after being away for several years. She becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships and power struggles within her own family, particularly with her mother and sister. As she navigates these dynamics, she also grapples with her own desires and sense of identity. The novel explores themes of love, family, class, and social status, set against the backdrop of the American aristocracy in the late 19th century. Throughout the book, the protagonist's inner world is revealed through a stream-of-consciousness narrative that delves into her thoughts, feelings, and memories. This introspective approach allows readers to gain insight into her psyche and understand her motivations and actions. The novel ultimately builds towards a tragic confrontation between the protagonist and her family members, which serves as a catalyst for her growth and self-discovery.
By Hervey Allen · First published 1930 · Genre: Poetry, Symbolism, Gothic · 337 words
First lines
They make me think of battlefields I saw Where butterflies with wings of sulphurous gold Crawled on gray faces death had made obscene That stared with stolid dolls' eyes from the mold.
They make me think of pools of wimpled slime, Where lizards bask upon the quaking crust, And crumbling walls where hairy spiders weave And snakes lie coupling in the summer dust.
What this Textopian page supports
Tiger Lilies is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hervey Allen, dated 1930 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: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Symbolism, Gothic, Mythological, Historical
- Length: 337 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tiger Lilies by Hervey Allen
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Tiger Lilies?
- How does this short story by Hervey Allen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on imagery and metaphor, characteristic of poetry.
- Symbolism — The use of vivid and symbolic imagery, such as references to mythological and historical elements, aligns with the Symbolist movement.
- Gothic — Themes of decay, death, and the macabre, along with dark and foreboding imagery, are typical of Gothic literature.
- Mythological — References to Egyptian gods and mythological figures suggest a mythological genre influence.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Literature · Novel · Family Saga · Coming-of-Age · Romance · Drama · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Love Story · Marriage · Infidelity