Haru by Lafcadio Hearn (1894)
The story revolves around a young Japanese woman who lives with her father and stepmother. Her life changes when she meets an old man who tells her about the supernatural world that exists alongside the human one. She becomes fascinated by this idea and begins to explore it, eventually discovering that she has the ability to see spirits.
By Lafcadio Hearn · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance · 2,245 words
First lines
Haru was brought up, chiefly at home, in that old-fashioned way which produced one of the sweetest types of woman the world has ever seen. This domestic education cultivated simplicity of heart, natural grace of manner, obedience, and love of duty as they were never cultivated but in Japan. Its moral product was something too gentle and beautiful for any other than the old Japanese society: it was not the most judicious preparation for the much harsher life of the new -- in which it still survives. The refined girl was trained for the condition of being theoretically at the mercy of her husband. She was taught never to show jealousy, or grief, or anger -- even under circumstances compelling all three; she was expected to conquer the faults of her lord by pure sweetness. In short, she was required to be almost superhuman -- to realize, at least in outward seeming, the ideal of perfect unselfishness. And this she could do with a husband of her own rank, delicate in discernment -- able to divine her feelings, and never to wound them.
What this Textopian page supports
Haru is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lafcadio Hearn, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Lafcadio Hearn
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance, Tragedy, Historical Fiction
- Length: 2,245 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Haru by Lafcadio Hearn
- 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 Haru?
- How does this short story by Lafcadio Hearn fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Fair Kate by Paul Heyse
- The Story Of Ming Y by Lafcadio Hearn
- The Story Of Aoyagi by Lafcadio Hearn
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- Stories by Marjorie Pickthall
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep emotional and psychological themes, focusing on the complexities of relationships and societal expectations.
- Drama — The narrative presents intense emotional conflicts and character development, highlighting personal struggles and societal pressures.
- Romance — The story centers on the relationship between Haru and her husband, exploring themes of love, devotion, and betrayal.
- Tragedy — The narrative culminates in a tragic ending, emphasizing the consequences of neglect and emotional pain.
Tags
Japanese Folklore · Short Stories · Folk Tales · Mythology · Cultural Heritage · Traditional Japan · Literary Fiction · Anthropological Study · Social Commentary · Historical Context · Symbolism · Imagery