His Mother's Portrait
The novel revolves around a young woman who returns to her childhood home after many years abroad. She becomes obsessed with the portrait of her mother that hangs in the house and begins to uncover secrets about her family's past. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers a complex web of relationships and events that have shaped her family's history. The novel explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and the power of art to reveal hidden truths. Through the protagonist's journey, the novel examines the tension between tradition and modernity, as well as the constraints placed on women in society during this time period.
By Selma Lagerlof · First published 1917 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Psychological Fiction · 2,109 words
First lines
In one of the hundred houses of the fishing-village, where each is exactly like the other in size and shape, where all have just as many windows and as high chimneys, lived old Mattsson, the pilot.
What this Textopian page supports
His Mother's Portrait 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, Magical Realism, Psychological Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction
- Length: 2,109 words
- Structure: 1 section, 43 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for His Mother's Portrait 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 His Mother's Portrait?
- 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
- Proctor The Drunkard by Louis Becke
- Geoffroy And Garcinde by Paul Heyse
- A Fallen King by Selma Lagerlof
- The Story Of A Story by Selma Lagerlof
- The Shoulders Of Atlas by Mary E. Wilkins
- His Family by Ernest Poole
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep themes of tradition, familial obligation, and the complexities of human relationships, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Magical Realism — The personification of the mother's portrait and its influence on the protagonist's decisions introduces elements of magical realism.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the protagonist's internal struggles and motivations, reflecting psychological themes.
- Drama — The emotional conflicts and character interactions create a dramatic narrative centered on personal and societal expectations.
Tags
Swedish Literature · Realism · Psychological Insight · Family Drama · Mother-Son Relationship · Coming of Age · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · National Identity · Cultural Heritage · Nostalgia · Memory