By the Rule of Contrary
The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her hometown after being away for several years. She has undergone significant personal growth and development during her time away, but struggles to reconcile her new identity with the expectations of those in her community. As she navigates her relationships with old friends and acquaintances, she must confront the societal norms and conventions that have remained unchanged despite her own transformation. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the tension between individuality and conformity. Through the protagonist's experiences, the story highlights the challenges faced by individuals who return to their hometowns after a period of time away, only to find themselves at odds with the community they once knew.
By Lucy Maud Montgomery · First published 1908 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Literary Fiction · 2,008 words
First lines
"Look here, Burton," said old John Ellis in an ominous tone of voice, "I want to know if what that old busybody of a Mary Keane came here today gossiping about is true. If it is -- well, I've something to say about the matter! Have you been courting that niece of Susan Oliver's all summer on the sly?"
Burton Ellis's handsome, boyish face flushed darkly crimson to the roots of his curly black hair. Something in the father's tone roused anger and rebellion in the son. He straightened himself up from the turnip row he was hoeing, looked his father squarely in the face, and said quietly,
What this Textopian page supports
By the Rule of Contrary is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lucy Maud Montgomery, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Drama, Literary Fiction, Comedy, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 2,008 words
- Structure: 1 section, 41 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for By the Rule of Contrary by Lucy Maud Montgomery
- 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 By the Rule of Contrary?
- How does this short story by Lucy Maud Montgomery fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Romance — The central plot revolves around a romantic relationship and the obstacles faced by the couple.
- Drama — The narrative explores familial conflict and emotional struggles, highlighting character development and interpersonal dynamics.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style emphasizes character introspection and social commentary, typical of literary fiction.
- Comedy — The dialogue and situations contain humorous elements, particularly in the interactions between characters.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Romance · Coming-of-Age · Canadian Literature · 19th Century Setting · Female Protagonist · Social Commentary · Family Drama · Love Story · Self-Discovery · Small Town Life · Morality Tale