The Chosen City by Mary Alice Walton
The Chosen City is a novel about a small town in the Midwest that is chosen to be the site of a new nuclear power plant. The townspeople are divided on the issue, with some welcoming the economic opportunities the plant will bring and others fearing the potential environmental and health risks. The story follows the lives of several characters as they grapple with the decision and its consequences. There is the mayor, who is determined to make the plant a success; the environmental activist, who is determined to stop it; the local business owners, who are torn between the potential profits and the potential risks; and the residents, who are struggling to make sense of it all. The novel explores the complex issues surrounding the nuclear power plant and the difficult choices the townspeople must make. It is a story of hope and fear, of courage and doubt, and of the power of community.
By Mary Alice Walton · First published 1910 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Southern Gothic, Literary Fiction · 478 words
First lines
On starlit height, distant 'gainst horizon, bright The Way of the Cross is outlined, By rocky steeps barren 'mid dangers unseen, A narrow straight pathway doth wind. The sighing winds whisper of sacrifice, toil, And foot-prints where pilgrims have trod Are crimson and tear-washed, where fissures are rent Wierd spirits of pain flit abroad.
A woman in sadness e'er watching this Cross Revealed in the morn of her life, To travel o'er mountains alone through the storm Means suffering and wearisome strife. 'Mid pitfalls of doubtings and barriers high, A valley called Vale of Delight, Appears to her vision, its beauties aglow With charms all alluring to sight.
What this Textopian page supports
The Chosen City is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary Alice Walton, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mary Alice Walton
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Southern Gothic, Literary Fiction
- Length: 478 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Chosen City by Mary Alice Walton
- 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 Chosen City?
- How does this short story by Mary Alice Walton 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 Chosen City is set in the early 20th century and follows the story of a family living in a small town in the American South. The plot and themes of the book are heavily influenced by the historical context of the time period, making historical fiction the most relevant genre.
- Southern Gothic — The Chosen City is set in the American South and features a dark and mysterious atmosphere, as well as characters with complex and troubled pasts. These elements are characteristic of the Southern Gothic genre.
- Literary Fiction — The Chosen City is written in a lyrical and poetic style, with complex characters and themes. These elements are characteristic of literary fiction.
Tags
Poetry · abiding · beauties · christ · city · crieth · cross · delight · doth · eternal · floweth · gleaming