Old Agnete by Selma Lagerlof (1896)
The novel revolves around the life of an elderly woman who lives a solitary existence on a remote farm. Her past is marked by tragedy and hardship, including the loss of her husband and children. The story explores themes of loneliness, grief, and the human struggle to find meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
By Selma Lagerlof · First published 1896 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Fantasy, Gothic Fiction · 2,688 words
First lines
An old woman went up the mountain-path with short, tripping steps. She was little and thin. Her face was pale and wizened, but neither hard nor furrowed. She wore a long cloak and a quilled cap. She had a Prayerbook in her hand and a sprig of lavender in her handkerchief.
She lived in a hut far up the high mountain where no trees could grow. It was lying quite close to the edge of a broad glacier, which sent its river of ice from the snow-clad mountain peak into the depths of the valley. There she lived quite alone. All those who had belonged to her were dead.
What this Textopian page supports
Old Agnete is listed on Textopian as a short story by Selma Lagerlof, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Fantasy, Gothic Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 2,688 words
- Structure: 1 section, 50 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Old Agnete 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 Old Agnete?
- 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 Legend Of The Birds Nest by Selma Lagerlof
- A Story From Halstanas by Selma Lagerlof
- The Wedding March by Selma Lagerlof
- Old Aunt Peggy by Kate Chopin
- A Christmas Guest by Selma Lagerlof
- The Workman by Lord Dunsany
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of loneliness, mortality, and the human condition through a character-driven narrative.
- Fantasy — The presence of supernatural elements, such as the doomed souls and the monk, adds a fantastical layer to the story.
- Gothic Fiction — The setting in a desolate mountain landscape and themes of death and despair contribute to a gothic atmosphere.
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative raises questions about existence, purpose, and the nature of love and mercy.
Tags
Fairy Tale · Mythology · Norse Mythology · Swedish Literature · Realism · Symbolism · Coming of Age · Female Protagonist · Love Story · Tragic Love · Social Class · Poverty