The Mark on the Door
A young woman inherits a farm from her uncle and moves there with her two children to start a new life. She faces various challenges including poverty, illness, and the disapproval of the local community due to her being a widow. The story explores themes of resilience, hard work, and the importance of family ties in overcoming adversity.
By Joseph C. Lincoln · First published 1908 · Genre: Fiction, Humor, Adventure · 7,740 words
First lines
One nice moonlight evening me and Cap'n Jonadab and Peter T., having, for a wonder, a little time to ourselves and free from boarders, was setting on the starboard end of the piazza, smoking, when who should heave in sight but Cap'n Eri Hedge and Obed Nickerson. They'd come over from Orham that day on some fish business and had drove down to Wellmouth Port on purpose to put up at the Old Home for the night and shake hands with me and Jonadab. We was mighty glad to see 'em, now I tell you.
What this Textopian page supports
The Mark on the Door is listed on Textopian as a short story by Joseph C. Lincoln, 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: Joseph C. Lincoln
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Humor, Adventure, Romance, Drama
- Length: 7,740 words
- Structure: 1 section, 141 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Mark on the Door by Joseph C. Lincoln
- 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 Mark on the Door?
- How does this short story by Joseph C. Lincoln fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional story centered around characters and events that are not real, focusing on their interactions and conflicts.
- Humor — The story contains comedic elements, particularly in the protagonist's misadventures and interactions with other characters, which provide humor throughout.
- Adventure — The plot involves elements of adventure, including the protagonist's escapades and confrontations, particularly related to the sea and boating.
- Romance — Romantic themes are present, particularly in the interactions between the protagonist and Barbara, as well as the implications of Allie's intentions.
Tags
Classic American Literature · Novel · Fiction · Short Story Collection · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Small Town Life · New England Setting · Quirky Characters · Morality Tale · Coming of Age