A Wizard from Gettysburg
The story revolves around a wizard who appears at the Battle of Gettysburg and uses his magical powers to turn the tide of the battle in favor of the Union forces. The wizard's actions are seen by some as a divine intervention, while others view them as a mere coincidence. As the battle rages on, the wizard becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea that he is destined for greatness, and that his powers will be used to shape the course of history. However, his arrogance and pride ultimately lead to his downfall, and he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. The story explores themes of power, morality, and the human condition, raising questions about the nature of good and evil, and the responsibility that comes with great power.
By Kate Chopin · Genre: Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction · 3,230 words
First lines
It was one afternoon in April, not long ago, only the other day, and the shadows had already begun to lengthen.
Bertrand Delmandé, a fine, bright-looking boy of fourteen years -- fifteen, perhaps -- was mounted, and riding along a pleasant country road, upon a little Creole pony, such as boys in Louisiana usually ride when they have nothing better at hand. He had hunted, and carried his gun before him.
What this Textopian page supports
A Wizard from Gettysburg is listed on Textopian as a novella by Kate Chopin, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Kate Chopin
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction, Adventure, Social Commentary
- Length: 3,230 words
- Structure: 1 section, 81 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Wizard from Gettysburg by Kate Chopin
- 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 A Wizard from Gettysburg?
- How does this novella by Kate Chopin fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Civil War, specifically referencing Gettysburg, and explores the impact of historical events on personal lives.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist, a young boy, experiences growth and moral development through his interactions with the tramp and the challenges faced by his family.
- Literary Fiction — The work emphasizes character development, thematic depth, and stylistic elements, focusing on human experiences and emotions.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey and discovery, particularly the digging for the box, which introduces elements of excitement and curiosity.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Fantasy · Magic Realism · Coming-of-Age · Self-Discovery · American Literature · Southern Gothic · Mystery · Adventure · Young Adult · Literary Fiction · Realistic Fiction