A Story from Jerusalem
The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her hometown of Jerusalem after being away for many years. She is struggling with feelings of guilt and regret over past mistakes, particularly the loss of a loved one. As she navigates her relationships with old friends and acquaintances, she must confront the consequences of her actions and find a way to make amends. The narrative explores themes of identity, community, and redemption in the context of a rapidly changing city. The protagonist's experiences serve as a microcosm for the broader social and cultural shifts taking place in Jerusalem during this time period. Throughout the story, Lagerlof employs a lyrical and introspective style to capture the complexities of human emotion and the search for meaning in a rapidly modernizing world.
By Selma Lagerlof · First published 1917 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Magical Realism · 3,329 words
First lines
In the old and time-honored mosque, El Aksa, in Jerusalem, there is a long, winding path leading from the main entrance up to a very deep and wide window-niche. In this niche a very old and much worn rug is spread; and upon this rug, day in and day out, sits old Mesullam, who is a fortune-teller and dream-interpreter, and who for a paltry penny serves the visitors to the mosque by prying into their future destinies.
What this Textopian page supports
A Story from Jerusalem is listed on Textopian as a short story by Selma Lagerlof, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Magical Realism, Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction
- Length: 3,329 words
- Structure: 1 section, 31 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Story from Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem?
- 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
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of identity, spirituality, and the human condition through rich character development and intricate narrative.
- Philosophical Fiction — The dialogue and interactions between characters delve into existential questions and the nature of dreams and reality.
- Magical Realism — The blending of the ordinary with the extraordinary, particularly in the dream sequences and the mystical elements, aligns with this genre.
- Historical Fiction — The setting in Jerusalem and references to historical and cultural elements provide a backdrop that enriches the narrative.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Literary Novel · Swedish Literature · Jewish Culture · Palestinian Culture · Middle Eastern Setting · Autobiographical Elements · Coming of Age Story · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Cultural Clash · Identity Crisis