Bold Words at the Bridge

Name: Bold Words at the Bridge
Author: Sarah Orne Jewett

The narrative unfolds in a small community where two women, Mrs. Dunleavy and Mrs. Con'ly, are embroiled in a petty feud over gardening practices. The conflict arises when Mrs. Con'ly accuses Mrs. Dunleavy of planting pumpkins that threaten her melons. Their quarrel escalates publicly on a bridge, drawing the attention of onlookers and leading to a physical altercation. Despite their heated exchange, Mrs. Dunleavy ultimately feels remorse for the incident, especially as it tarnishes their long-standing neighborly relationship. As summer progresses, both women remain estranged, each reflecting on their solitude and the absence of friendly interaction. Mrs. Dunleavy, feeling isolated, longs for companionship and hopes that her blooming foxgloves might rekindle their friendship. Meanwhile, Mrs. Con'ly is preoccupied with her own troubles, including a troublesome goat and the challenges of maintaining her garden. The turning point occurs when a stranger, a fellow countrywoman, arrives in town seeking an acquaintance named Ann Bogan. This unexpected visitor prompts both women to reconsider their animosity. They begin to engage in conversation, sharing memories and expressing concern for the stranger's plight. Their mutual interest in the newcomer serves as a catalyst for reconciliation. As they bond over the stranger's story, Mrs. Dunleavy and Mrs. Con'ly acknowledge the triviality of their previous quarrel. They realize that their friendship is more valuable than the petty grievances that had divided them. The narrative concludes with the two women enjoying each other's company, sharing a melon, and reflecting on the absurdity of their past conflict. The stranger, unaware of her role in mending their relationship, becomes a symbol of renewal and community, illustrating the theme that true friendship can overcome misunderstandings and pride.

By Sarah Orne Jewett · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Drama · 3 chapters · 4,879 words

First lines

"Well, now,' says I, 'Mrs. Con'ly,' says I, 'how ever you may tark, 'tis nobody's business and I wanting to plant a few pumpkins for me cow in among me cabbages. I 've got the right to plant whatever I may choose, if it's the divil of a crop of t'istles in the middle of me ground. ' 'No ma'am, you ain't,' says Biddy Con'ly; 'you ain't got anny right to plant t'istles that's not for the public good,' says she; and I being so hasty wit' me timper, I shuk me fist in her face then, and herself shuk her fist at me. Just then Father Brady come by, as luck ardered, an' recomminded us would we keep the peace. He knew well I 'd had my provocation; 't was to herself he spoke first. You'd think she owned the whole corporation. I wished I 'd t'rown her over into the wather, so I did, before he come by at all. 'T was on the bridge the two of us were. I was stepping home by meself very quiet in the afthernoon to put me tay-kittle on for supper, and herself overtook me, -- ain't she the bold thing!

What this Textopian page supports

Bold Words at the Bridge is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sarah Orne Jewett, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Realism, Drama, Social Commentary, Short Story
Length: 4,879 words
Structure: 3 chapters, 44 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for Bold Words at the Bridge by Sarah Orne Jewett
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work focuses on character development, social interactions, and the subtleties of human relationships, typical of literary fiction.
Realism — The story portrays everyday life and realistic dialogue, reflecting the social dynamics of a small community.
Drama — The central conflict between the characters and their emotional exchanges create a dramatic narrative.
Social Commentary — The text explores themes of neighborly relations, conflict resolution, and community dynamics, providing insight into social behaviors.