
Neither Dorking nor the Abbey
The story revolves around a young boy who lives with his mother and sister at the Abbey. The family's life is disrupted by the arrival of a new character, who brings about significant changes in their dynamics.
By James Matthew Barrie · First published 1901 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Historical Fiction · 1,126 words
First lines
All morning there had been a little gathering of people outside the gate. The funeral coach came, and a very small thing was placed in it and covered with flowers. One plant of the wallflower in the garden would have covered it. The coach took the road to Dorking, followed by a few others, and in a moment or two all seemed silent and deserted, the cottage, the garden, and Box Hill.
What this Textopian page supports
Neither Dorking nor the Abbey is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Matthew Barrie, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Poetry
- Length: 1,126 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Neither Dorking nor the Abbey 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 Neither Dorking nor the Abbey?
- 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?
Similar titles
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative focuses on themes of mortality, legacy, and the passage of time, with a reflective and introspective tone.
- Philosophical Fiction — Explores existential themes and the nature of death and immortality, prompting readers to ponder deeper meanings.
- Historical Fiction — References to historical figures and settings, such as Box Hill and Dorking, provide a backdrop that situates the narrative in a specific historical context.
- Poetry — The inclusion of poetic elements and a lyrical writing style, especially in the concluding verses, adds a poetic dimension to the work.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Coming-of-age · Mystery · Humor · Satire · Social commentary · Literary fiction · Classic literature · British literature · 19th century literature · Children's literature
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