Alpheus and Arethusa by James Baldwin
The narrative revolves around a young man's journey of self-discovery and exploration of his identity. He becomes infatuated with an older woman who represents freedom and independence. Through their relationship, he grapples with societal expectations and the constraints placed upon him by his family and community. As he navigates this complex web of relationships, he begins to question the norms that have been imposed upon him. His interactions with the older woman serve as a catalyst for his growth, forcing him to confront the limitations of his own desires and the expectations of those around him. Ultimately, the narrative is a poignant exploration of the tensions between individual desire and societal obligation, as the young man struggles to reconcile his own identity with the demands placed upon him by the world around him.
By James Baldwin · First published 1904 · Genre: Mythology, Fantasy, Romance · 646 words
First lines
In Arcadia there is a little mountain stream called Alpheus. It flows through woods and meadows and among the hills for many miles, and then it sinks beneath the rocks. Farther down the valley it rises again, and dancing and sparkling, as if in happy chase of something, it hurries onward towards the plain; but soon it hides itself a second time in underground caverns, making its way through rocky tunnels where the light of day has never been. Then at last it gushes once more from its prison chambers; and, flowing thence with many windings through the fields of Elis, it empties its waters into the sea.
What this Textopian page supports
Alpheus and Arethusa is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Baldwin, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: James Baldwin
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mythology, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure, Tragedy
- Length: 646 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Alpheus and Arethusa by James Baldwin
- 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
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Genres
- Mythology — The story is based on Greek mythology, involving gods, nymphs, and transformations.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes fantastical elements such as transformations and divine interventions.
- Romance — The plot centers around the unrequited love of Alpheus for Arethusa.
- Adventure — The story involves a chase through various landscapes, adding an element of adventure.
Tags
Mythological · Feminist · LGBTQ+ · Coming-of-age · Identity · Self-discovery · Love · Desire · Sexuality · Queerness · Non-binary · Fluidity