The Backsliding of Harriet Blake
Harriet Blake's life unravels after her husband's death, revealing a complex web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy her reputation and relationships. As she navigates the challenges of widowhood, Harriet must confront her own flaws and weaknesses in order to reclaim her sense of identity and purpose.
By Josephine Daskam Bacon · First published 1919 · Genre: Religious Fiction, Psychological Drama, Literary Fiction · 5,437 words
First lines
The Rev. Mr. Freeland looked down the long, narrow poorhouse table, and then glanced inquiringly at the matron.
"What has become of Harriet Blake, Mrs. Markham? " he asked. "I thought she sat at this table -- I hope she's not ill?"
What this Textopian page supports
The Backsliding of Harriet Blake is listed on Textopian as a novel by Josephine Daskam Bacon, dated 1919 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Josephine Daskam Bacon
- Date: 1919 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Fiction, Psychological Drama, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Gothic Fiction
- Length: 5,437 words
- Structure: 1 section, 85 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Backsliding of Harriet Blake by Josephine Daskam Bacon
- 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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Genres
- Religious Fiction — The central theme revolves around faith, doubt, and the struggle with religious beliefs, particularly the character's crisis of faith.
- Psychological Drama — The narrative delves deeply into the protagonist's internal conflict and emotional turmoil, exploring her mental state and existential fears.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and character-driven, focusing on the complexities of human experience and moral dilemmas.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques societal and religious norms, particularly the pressures exerted by community and tradition on individual belief.
Tags
Domestic Drama · Social Commentary · Feminist Themes · Marriage Crisis · Family Secrets · Gossip and Rumors · Small Town Life · Class Conflict · Morality Tale · Romantic Relationships · Love Triangle · Betrayal of Trust