A Story from Halstanäs
The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her childhood home after being away for many years. She finds that the village has changed and so have its people. The narrative explores themes of identity, community, and the complexities of human relationships.
By Selma Lagerlof · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Gothic Fiction · 3,713 words
First lines
In olden times there stood by the roadside an old country-house called Halstanäs. It comprised a long row of red-painted houses, which were of low structure, and right behind them lay the forest. Close to the dwelling-house was a large wild cherry-tree, which showered its black fruit over the red-tiled roof. A bell under a small belfry hung over the gable of the stables.
Just outside the kitchen-door was a dovecote, with a neat little trelliswork outside the holes. From the attic a cage for squirrels was hanging; it consisted of two small green houses and a large wheel, and in front of a big hedge of lilacs stood a long row of beehives covered with bark.
What this Textopian page supports
A Story from Halstanäs is listed on Textopian as a short story by Selma Lagerlof, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Selma Lagerlof
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 3,713 words
- Structure: 1 section, 40 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Story from Halstanäs by Selma Lagerlof
- 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 A Story from Halstanäs?
- How does this short story by Selma Lagerlof fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Wind Tells About Waldemar Daa And His Daughters by Hans Christian Andersen
- The Antique Ring by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- The Worker In Sandal Wood by Marjorie Pickthall
- The Fishermans Ring by Selma Lagerlof
- The Love Charm by Johann Ludwig Tieck
- The Wishing Bridge by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of morality, human relationships, and the passage of time, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the inner thoughts and emotional struggles of the characters, particularly the Colonel's reflections on his past.
- Gothic Fiction — Elements of suspense, supernatural occurrences, and a dark atmosphere contribute to a gothic sensibility.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and character backgrounds reflect historical contexts, particularly in relation to societal norms and personal histories.
Tags
Swedish Literature · Folklore · Mythology · Fantasy · Realism · Regionalism · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis · Social Commentary · Rural Life · Family Dynamics