The Captain's Story
The narrative revolves around a former captain of the American Civil War who recounts his experiences to a young woman. Through his storytelling, the captain reflects on the war's devastating effects on individuals and society. He shares tales of camaraderie, loss, and moral dilemmas, which ultimately led him to reevaluate his values and sense of purpose.
By Rebecca Harding Davis · First published 1867 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Adventure · 7,393 words
First lines
I have been asked to tell what I know of the case of Joseph C. Wylie, whose mysterious disappearance caused so much excitement in Cincinnati when it occurred. That was in '58, however, before the war; and I had supposed all trace of the affair had been swept from the public mind by the events which followed. Indeed, I see no reason for reviving it now, except that it bears more fully than any evidence I have ever heard upon the curious matter called spiritualism, and I have thought (though I am only a plain man, not used to dealing in such whimseys) it offers a key to unlock the riddle.
What this Textopian page supports
The Captain's Story is listed on Textopian as a novella by Rebecca Harding Davis, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Rebecca Harding Davis
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Drama, Adventure, War Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 7,393 words
- Structure: 1 section, 119 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Captain's Story by Rebecca Harding Davis
- 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 Captain's Story?
- How does this novella by Rebecca Harding Davis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- A Journey by Edith Wharton
- Told In Confidence by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- Loveliness by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- The Silver Stirrup by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
- The Trader S Wife by Louis Becke
Genres
- Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical period with detailed descriptions of the era.
- Drama — Focuses on intense character development and emotional themes.
- Adventure — Includes elements of exploration and action.
- War Fiction — Centers around military conflict and its impact on characters.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century · Historical Fiction · Maritime · Nautical · Adventure · Romance · Family Drama · Social Class · Wealth · Power Dynamics · Gender Roles