Bread Cast Upon the Waters
The novel revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after being away for many years and becomes embroiled in a mystery surrounding the death of a wealthy businessman. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex web of deceit and corruption that threatens to destroy the lives of those around him.
By J.S. Fletcher · First published 1900 · Genre: Drama, Social Commentary, Tragedy · 2,336 words
First lines
It was close upon sunset when the derelict walked into the first village which he had encountered for several miles, and he was as tired as he was hungry. On the outskirts he stopped, looked about him, and sat down on a heap of stones. The village lay beneath him; a typical English village, good to look upon in the summer eventide. There in the centre, embowered amongst tall elm-trees and fringed about with yew, rose the tower and roof of the old church, grey as the memories of the far-off age in which pious hands had built it. Farther away, also tree-embowered, rose the turrets and gables of the great house, manor and hall. Here and there, rising from thick orchards, stood the farmhouses, with their red roofs and drab walls; between them were tiny cottages, nests of comfort. There were pale blue wisps of smoke curling up from the chimneys of the houses and cottages -- they made the weary man think of a home and a hearthstone. And from the green in the centre of the village came the sound of the voices of boys at play -- they, too, made him think of times when the world was something more than a desert.
What this Textopian page supports
Bread Cast Upon the Waters is listed on Textopian as a novel by J.S. Fletcher, dated 1900 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: J.S. Fletcher
- Date: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Realism, Inspirational
- Length: 2,336 words
- Structure: 1 section, 54 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Bread Cast Upon the Waters by J.S. Fletcher
- 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 Bread Cast Upon the Waters?
- How does this novel by J.S. Fletcher fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Rayner Slade Amalgamation by J. S. Fletcher
- The Talleyrand Maxim by J. S. Fletcher
- A Deal In Odd Volumes by J. S. Fletcher
- The Way Of The Comet by J. S. Fletcher
- A Man Or A Mouse by J. S. Fletcher
Genres
- Drama — The narrative focuses on the emotional and moral development of characters, particularly the transformation of the derelict and the farmer's evolving perception of him.
- Social Commentary — The story explores themes of social class, prejudice, and the human condition, highlighting the derelict's struggle for dignity and acceptance.
- Tragedy — The plot culminates in a tragic event, with the derelict sacrificing his life to save the child, underscoring themes of heroism and loss.
- Realism — The writing style and setting provide a realistic depiction of rural life and the challenges faced by individuals on the margins of society.
Tags
Mystery · Thriller · Detective Fiction · Crime Novel · English Literature · Classic Mystery · Victorian Era · London Setting · Police Procedural · Whodunit · Plot Twist · Suspenseful