An Autumn Holiday
The narrative follows a reflective walk taken by the protagonist on a beautiful autumn day, filled with vivid descriptions of nature and personal musings. The protagonist enjoys the crisp air, the colors of the season, and the companionship of a beloved dog. As she traverses familiar fields, she encounters old apple trees and contemplates the passage of time, drawing parallels between the cycle of nature and human life. During her walk, she discovers a small, forgotten grave in a pasture, which evokes thoughts of loss and memory. The grave belongs to a child, and the protagonist imagines the sorrow of the child's mother and the life that once was. This moment leads her to reflect on the transient nature of life and the enduring presence of love, even in loss. Continuing her journey, she arrives at a brook, where she finds tranquility and beauty, further emphasizing her connection to the landscape. The protagonist's thoughts drift to the people in her life, particularly an elderly woman she admires, and she decides to visit her. Upon reaching the woman's home, she finds her and her sister engaged in spinning yarn. Their warm welcome and the comfort of the familiar kitchen create a sense of belonging. The conversation flows easily, filled with local gossip and anecdotes about the community, particularly focusing on the quirks of their neighbors. The narrative delves into the lives of the townspeople, revealing their personalities and relationships through humorous and poignant stories. The protagonist listens to tales of a man who, after a stroke, begins to believe he is his deceased sister, leading to amusing and touching moments that highlight the complexities of human nature and the bonds of community. As the afternoon wanes, the protagonist reflects on the day's experiences, the beauty of the autumn landscape, and the connections she shares with those around her. The story concludes with her return home, feeling enriched by her walk and the interactions she had, encapsulating the themes of memory, community, and the cyclical nature of life.
By Sarah Orne Jewett · First published 1887 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Nature Writing, Coming-of-Age · 8,298 words
First lines
I had started early in the afternoon for a long walk; it was just the weather for walking, and I went across the fields with a delighted heart. The wind came straight in from the sea, and the sky was bright blue; there was a little tinge of red still lingering on the maples, and my dress brushed over the late golden-rods, while my old dog, who seemed to have taken a new lease of youth, jumped about wildly and raced after the little birds that flew up out of the long brown grass -- the constant little chickadees, that would soon sing before the coming of snow. But this day brought no thought of winter; it was one of the October days when to breathe the air is like drinking wine, and every touch of the wind against one's face is a caress: like a quick, sweet kiss, that wind is. You have a sense of companionship; it is a day that loves you.
What this Textopian page supports
An Autumn Holiday is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sarah Orne Jewett, dated 1887 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Sarah Orne Jewett
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Nature Writing, Coming-of-Age, Realism, Historical Fiction
- Length: 8,298 words
- Structure: 1 section, 37 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Autumn Holiday by Sarah Orne Jewett
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering An Autumn Holiday?
- How does this short story by Sarah Orne Jewett fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Christmas In The Woods by Dallas Lore Sharp
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- A Lilt Of The Road by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Kanga Creek An Australian Idyll by Havelock Ellis
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores deep themes of nature, life, and human emotions through a reflective narrative style.
- Nature Writing — The protagonist's journey is heavily focused on the beauty and intricacies of the natural world, particularly in autumn.
- Coming-of-Age — The narrative reflects on growth, maturity, and the passage of time, resonating with themes of personal development.
- Realism — The story presents a realistic portrayal of rural life and the everyday experiences of its characters.
Tags
autumn · holiday · nature · New England · rural · family · tradition · nostalgia · seasons · community · friendship · exploration