The Flight into Egypt
The story revolves around a young girl who flees her home with her family after being accused of witchcraft. They embark on a perilous journey to Egypt, facing numerous challenges and hardships along the way. As they travel, the girl's innocence and purity are contrasted with the harsh realities of the world around her. She witnesses scenes of violence, cruelty, and despair, yet remains steadfast in her faith and devotion. The narrative is a poignant exploration of themes such as persecution, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil. Through the girl's journey, Lagerlof sheds light on the human condition, revealing the resilience and strength that can be found even in the darkest of times. Ultimately, the story is one of hope and transformation, as the girl emerges from her experiences with a newfound sense of purpose and understanding.
By Selma Lagerlof · First published 1914 · Genre: Fantasy, Religious Allegory, Adventure · 2,232 words
First lines
Far away in one of the Eastern deserts many, many years ago grew a palm tree, which was both exceedingly old and exceedingly tall.
All who passed through the desert had to stop and gaze at it, for it was much larger than other palms; and they used to say of it, that some day it would certainly be taller than the obelisks and pyramids.
What this Textopian page supports
The Flight into Egypt is listed on Textopian as a novella by Selma Lagerlof, dated 1914 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Selma Lagerlof
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Religious Allegory, Adventure, Drama, Literary Fiction
- Length: 2,232 words
- Structure: 1 section, 48 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Flight into Egypt 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 The Flight into Egypt?
- How does this novella by Selma Lagerlof fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative includes magical elements, such as the anthropomorphized palm tree that interacts with human characters and bends to their will.
- Religious Allegory — The story draws on themes of divine intervention and protection, reflecting biblical narratives and moral lessons.
- Adventure — The plot centers around the perilous journey of the characters through a desert, facing various dangers.
- Drama — The emotional struggles and despair of the characters are central to the narrative, highlighting human suffering and hope.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Literary Novel · Swedish Literature · Nobel Prize Winner · Realistic Fiction · Coming of Age · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Psychological Insight · Symbolism · Mythology · Folklore