David and I Set Forth Upon a Journey
The story revolves around the relationship between David and his mother, who are on a journey to find her husband's grave. Along the way, they meet various people, including a group of children who join them. The narrative explores themes of grief, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.
By James Matthew Barrie · First published 1917 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Psychological Fiction · 2,580 words
First lines
Sometimes the little boy who calls me father brings me an invitation from his mother: "I shall be so pleased if you will come and see me," and I always reply in some such words as these: "Dear madam, I decline. " And if David asks why I decline, I explain that it is because I have no desire to meet the woman.
"Come this time, father," he urged lately, "for it is her birthday, and she is twenty-six," which is so great an age to David, that I think he fears she cannot last much longer.
What this Textopian page supports
David and I Set Forth Upon a Journey is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Matthew Barrie, dated 1917 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 Matthew Barrie
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Humor, Fantasy
- Length: 2,580 words
- Structure: 1 section, 43 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for David and I Set Forth Upon a Journey by James Matthew Barrie
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering David and I Set Forth Upon a Journey?
- How does this short story by James Matthew Barrie fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative focuses on character development, introspection, and the exploration of complex relationships, typical of literary fiction.
- Domestic Fiction — The story revolves around family dynamics and personal relationships, particularly between the narrator, David, and his mother.
- Psychological Fiction — The text delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of the narrator, exploring themes of memory, perception, and identity.
- Humor — The narrative includes elements of wit and irony, particularly in the interactions between characters and the narrator's reflections.
Tags
Autobiographical · Biographical · Memoir · Travelogue · Literary · Fictionalized · Non-Fiction · Personal · Historical · Scottish · Childhood · Coming of Age