Timothy's Quest
The story revolves around Timothy Crump, a young boy who lives with his mother and sister in a small village. He is an orphan after his father's death and struggles to find his place in the world. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and social class as Timothy navigates his relationships with those around him. The narrative delves into the complexities of human nature, revealing the flaws and weaknesses of the characters while also highlighting their resilience and determination. Through Timothy's experiences, the author sheds light on the societal pressures and expectations that shape individuals' lives. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced portrayal of life in a small village during this time period, offering insights into the daily struggles and triumphs of its inhabitants.
By Kate Douglas Wiggin · First published 1886 · Genre: Children's Literature, Coming-of-Age, Fiction · 16 chapters · 46,754 words
First lines
Minerva Court! Veil thy face, O Goddess of Wisdom, for never, surely, was thy fair name so ill bestowed as when it was applied to this most dreary place!
It was a little less than street, a little more than alley, and its only possible claim to decency came from comparison with the busier thoroughfare out of which it opened. This was so much fouler, with its dirt and noise, its stands of refuse fruit and vegetables, its dingy shops and all the miserable traffic that the place engendered, its rickety doorways blocked with lounging men, its Blowsabellas leaning on the window-sills, that the Court seemed by contrast a most desirable and retired place of residence.
What this Textopian page supports
Timothy's Quest is listed on Textopian as a play by Kate Douglas Wiggin, dated 1886 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: Kate Douglas Wiggin
- Date: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Coming-of-Age, Fiction, Adventure, Family Saga
- Length: 46,754 words
- Structure: 16 chapters, 524 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Timothy's Quest by Kate Douglas Wiggin
- 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 Timothy's Quest?
- How does this play by Kate Douglas Wiggin fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Under The Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott
- Robinetta by Kate Douglas Wiggin
- Hearts And Other Hearts by Kate Douglas Wiggin
- Mother Careys Chickens by Kate Douglas Wiggin
- The Palace Beautiful by L. T. Meade
- Our Runaway Kite by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Genres
- Children's Literature — The book is primarily aimed at a young audience, featuring themes and characters that resonate with children.
- Coming-of-Age — The narrative focuses on the growth and development of the protagonist, exploring themes of maturity and self-discovery.
- Fiction — The story is a work of fiction, presenting a narrative that is imaginative and not based on real events.
- Adventure — The plot includes elements of adventure as the characters navigate various challenges and experiences.
Tags
Children's Literature · Coming-of-Age Story · Family Drama · Friendship · Growing Up · Historical Fiction · Literary Classic · Nostalgia · Orphaned Protagonist · Patriotism · Romance · Social Commentary
Contents
- Flossy Morrison Learns the Secret of Death Without Ever having Learned the Secret of Life
- Little Timothy Jessup Assumes Parental Responsibilities
- Timothy Plans a Campaign, and Providence Assists Materially in Carrying it out, or Vice Versa
- Jabe Slocum Assumes the Role of Guardian Angel
- Timothy Finds a House in which he Thinks a Baby is Needed, but the Inmates do not Entirely Agree with him
- Timothy, Lady Gay, and Rags Prove Faithful to each other
- Mistress and Maid Find to their Amazement that a Child, more than all other Gifts, Brings Hope with it and Forward Looking Thoughts
- Jabe and Samantha Exchange Hostilities, and the Former Says a Good Word for the Little Wanderers
- "now the End of the Commandment is Charity, out of a Pure Heart."
- Aunt Hitty Comes to "Make over," and Supplies Back Numbers to all the Village Histories
- Miss Vilda Decides that Two is One too Many, and Timothy Breaks a Hummingbird's Egg
- Lyddy Pettigrove's Funeral
- Pleasant River is Baptized with the Spirit of Adoption
- Timothy Jessup Runs Away a Second Time, and, Like other Blessings, Brightens as he Takes his Flight
- Like all Dogs in Fiction the Faithful Rags Guides Miss Vilda to his Little Master
- Timothy's Quest is Ended, and Samantha Says "Come Along, Dave!"