The Hoopskirt by John Gould Fletcher
This novel explores the lives of women in a small Southern town during the Civil War era. The story revolves around a young woman's struggle for independence and self-discovery amidst societal expectations and war-torn surroundings. Through her experiences, the narrative delves into themes of identity, morality, and the constraints placed on women during this period.
By John Gould Fletcher · First published 1923 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Humor · 153 words
First lines
In the night when all are sleeping, Up here a tiny old dame comes tripping, Looking for her lost hoopskirt.
My great-grandaunt -- I never saw her -- Her ghost doesn't know me from another, She stalks up the attic stairs angrily.
The dust sets her sneezing and coughing, By the trunk she is limping and hopping, But alas -- the trunk is locked.
What's an old dame to do, anyway!
What this Textopian page supports
The Hoopskirt is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Gould Fletcher, dated 1923 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: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Humor, Gothic, Literary Fiction
- Length: 153 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Hoopskirt 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
- 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 Hoopskirt?
- 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
- The Back Stairs by John Gould Fletcher
- A Warning by Mary Noailles Murfree
- A Turkey Hunt by Kate Chopin
- The Goose Creek Voice by Hervey Allen
- The Wall Cabinet by John Gould Fletcher
- The True Conqueror by John Gould Fletcher
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Fantasy — The presence of a ghost and supernatural elements indicates a fantasy genre.
- Humor — The whimsical tone and absurdity of the situation contribute to a humorous interpretation.
- Gothic — The setting in an attic and themes of death and the supernatural align with gothic elements.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Literature · Southern Gothic · Coming-of-Age · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Rural Life · Female Protagonist · Domesticity · Marriage · Mother-Daughter Relationship