Old Fairingdown
The narrative unfolds in a tranquil village, steeped in a sense of timelessness and nostalgia. The protagonist wanders through this sleepy hamlet, observing its inhabitants and the landscape, which is imbued with a haunting beauty. The village is characterized by its old houses, each with a story, and a pervasive stillness that suggests a deep-rooted history. The protagonist encounters various figures, including a boy who yearns for adventure beyond the confines of the village, and a young woman whose music evokes longing and dreams of a life beyond her current existence. The imagery of nature intertwines with the human experience, reflecting themes of aspiration, confinement, and the passage of time. As the protagonist reflects on the lives of the villagers, particularly the women who remain tied to the village while the men venture out, a sense of melancholy permeates the narrative. The cycle of life and the inevitability of change are central motifs, as the protagonist grapples with the ache of unfulfilled dreams and the weight of tradition. The story culminates in a poignant farewell to the village, acknowledging the beauty and sorrow intertwined in its existence. The protagonist's journey is not just physical but also emotional, as they confront the realities of life, love, and the enduring impact of place on identity. The village, with its quiet stories and unchanging landscape, remains a powerful symbol of both comfort and constraint.
By Olive Tilford Dargan · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Romanticism · 1,115 words
First lines
Soft as a treader on mosses I go through the village that sleeps; The village too early abed, For the night still shuffles, a gipsy, In the woods of the east, And the west remembers the sun.
Not all are asleep; there are faces That lean from the walls of the gardens; Look sharply, or you will not see them, Or think them another stone in the wall. I spoke to a stone, and it answered Like an aged rock that crumbles; Each falling piece was a word. "Five have I buried," it said, "And seven are over the sea."
What this Textopian page supports
Old Fairingdown is listed on Textopian as a short story by Olive Tilford Dargan, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Olive Tilford Dargan
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Romanticism, Symbolism, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 1,115 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Old Fairingdown by Olive Tilford Dargan
- 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 Old Fairingdown?
- How does this short story by Olive Tilford Dargan fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rich imagery and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore deep emotional and existential reflections, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Romanticism — The text emphasizes nature, emotion, and individual experience, aligning with Romantic literary themes.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the village and the sea, conveys deeper meanings and themes.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · American Literature · Regionalism · Rural Life · Family Drama · Coming of Age · Social Class · Poverty · Isolation · Community · Morality