The Legacy by Josephine Daskam Bacon
The novel revolves around a young woman's journey to self-discovery and independence after her marriage ends in divorce. She returns to her family home, where she must confront the societal expectations placed upon her and navigate her own desires for autonomy and happiness. Through her experiences, the protagonist grapples with themes of identity, morality, and the constraints of social convention.
By Josephine Daskam Bacon · First published 1917 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, Drama · 10,256 words
First lines
Of course, it doesn't make any difference to me whether anybody believes this or not. It's only because Dr. Stanchon asked me to, that I'm writing it, anyway. And nobody needs to get the idea that I think I'm a writer, either: I'm not such a fool as all that. But there's not a nurse in the place who wouldn't lie down and let the doctor walk over her, if he wanted to -- and he knows it, too. Not that he's cocky about it, though.
"You know I'm no magazine muck-rake, doctor," I said as I got out of the motor (he had taken me up through the Park to Morningside and back, while I was telling him), "and I'll probably be a little shy on style."
What this Textopian page supports
The Legacy is listed on Textopian as a novella by Josephine Daskam Bacon, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Josephine Daskam Bacon
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, Drama, Mystery, Romance
- Length: 10,256 words
- Structure: 1 section, 175 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Legacy 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 Legacy?
- How does this novella by Josephine Daskam Bacon fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Psychological Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Mary Gray by Katharine Tynan
- A Marriage Settlement by Honore De Balzac
- A Golden Wedding by Lucy Maud Montgomery
- Portrait Of A Lady by K. Jerome
- The Heart Of Penelope by Marie Belloc Lowndes
- An Isle In The Water by Katharine Tynan
Genres
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative explores the mental states and emotional struggles of the characters, particularly focusing on themes of guilt, trauma, and the impact of past events on present behavior.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and character-driven, emphasizing the depth of the characters' experiences and the subtleties of their interactions.
- Drama — The plot revolves around intense personal conflicts and emotional crises, showcasing the characters' struggles in a dramatic context.
- Mystery — Elements of suspense and the unknown, particularly surrounding the ghostly appearances and the psychological implications, create a sense of mystery throughout the narrative.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Legacy · Family · Drama · Romance · Social Class · Marriage · Society · Morality · Ethics · Values