The Black Godmother

Name: The Black Godmother
Author: John Galsworthy

This novel explores the complexities of relationships and societal expectations through the story of a woman who defies convention by having a child out of wedlock. The narrative delves into themes of morality, class, and personal freedom, raising questions about the consequences of one's choices in a rigidly structured society.

By John Galsworthy · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Philosophical Fiction · 2,329 words

First lines

Sitting out on the lawn at tea with our friend and his retriever, we had been discussing those massacres of the helpless which had of late occurred, and wondering that they should have been committed by the soldiery of so civilised a State, when, in a momentary pause of our astonishment, our friend, who had been listening in silence, crumpling the drooping soft ear of his dog, looked up and said, "The cause of atrocities is generally the violence of Fear. Panic's at the back of most crimes and follies."

What this Textopian page supports

The Black Godmother is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Galsworthy, dated 1908 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: John Galsworthy
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Philosophical Fiction, Drama, Animal Fiction
Length: 2,329 words
Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Black Godmother by John Galsworthy
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 The Black Godmother?
How does this short story by John Galsworthy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of fear, morality, and human behavior through a narrative that emphasizes character development and philosophical reflection.
Social Commentary — It critiques societal attitudes towards animals and the consequences of fear-driven actions, highlighting the impact of societal norms on individual behavior.
Philosophical Fiction — The narrative delves into philosophical discussions about fear and its role in human actions, prompting readers to reflect on deeper existential questions.
Drama — The emotional weight of the story, particularly the suffering of the dog and the reactions of the characters, creates a dramatic tension that drives the narrative.