The Key by Josephine Daskam Bacon
The novel revolves around a young woman who returns to her family's estate after being away for several years. She becomes embroiled in a mystery surrounding an old key that has been passed down through the family, and its connection to a long-forgotten tragedy. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers secrets about her family's past and confronts the darkness that has haunted them for generations.
By Josephine Daskam Bacon · First published 1913 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, Drama · 11,631 words
First lines
The young doctor stamped vehemently up the marble steps, to warm his feet, and once in the warm, flower-scented halls, let a little shiver escape him. The butler was new -- he was always new, the doctor thought -- and actually didn't know him.
"Mrs. Allen is at bridge, sir, with a party: she asks to be excused," he began mechanically.
What this Textopian page supports
The Key is listed on Textopian as a novel by Josephine Daskam Bacon, dated 1913 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: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Romance
- Length: 11,631 words
- Structure: 1 section, 248 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Key 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
- 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 Key?
- How does this novel by Josephine Daskam Bacon fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Psychological Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves deeply into the mental state of the protagonist, exploring themes of sanity, identity, and the impact of societal expectations on individual psyche.
- Literary Fiction — The work emphasizes character development, intricate prose, and thematic depth, focusing on the protagonist's journey and personal growth.
- Drama — The story unfolds with intense emotional conflicts and interpersonal relationships, highlighting the struggles of the characters in a dramatic setting.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and the treatment of women, particularly in the context of mental health and familial expectations.
Tags
Mystery · Thriller · Psychological Fiction · Short Story Collection · American Literature · 1920s Fiction · Female Protagonist · Domestic Drama · Marriage · Infidelity · Secrets · Deception