The Back Stairs
The novel revolves around the lives of a family living in a rural area, focusing on their struggles and relationships with each other. The story explores themes of poverty, isolation, and the decline of traditional ways of life. Through the characters' experiences, the narrative highlights the difficulties faced by those living on the margins of society.
By John Gould Fletcher · First published 1926 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Gothic · 164 words
First lines
In the afternoon When no one is in the house, I suddenly hear dull dragging feet Go fumbling down those dark back stairs, That climb up twisting, As if they wanted no one to see them.
Beating a dirge upon the bare planks I hear those feet and the creak of a long-locked door.
My mother often went Up and down those selfsame stairs, From the room where by the window She would sit all day and listlessly Look on the world that had destroyed her, She would go down in the evening To the room where she would sleep, Or rather, not sleep, but all night Lie staring fiercely at the ceiling.
What this Textopian page supports
The Back Stairs is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Gould Fletcher, dated 1926 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 Gould Fletcher
- Date: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Gothic, Psychological, Modernism
- Length: 164 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Back Stairs by John Gould Fletcher
- 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 The Back Stairs?
- How does this short story by John Gould Fletcher fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work employs structured verse and employs imagery and rhythm typical of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore deep emotional and psychological states, focusing on personal and familial experiences.
- Gothic — The presence of dark imagery and themes of isolation and haunting contribute to a gothic atmosphere.
- Psychological — The exploration of the mother's mental state and the impact of her surroundings reflects psychological themes.
Tags
Southern Gothic · Literary Fiction · Regionalism · Coming-of-Age · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Rural Life · Isolation · Loneliness · Moral Ambiguity · Psychological Insight