The Peace of God by Selma Lagerlof
The novel revolves around a young woman who returns to her childhood home after being away for many years. She seeks refuge from the world and its troubles in the solitude of nature. The story explores themes of isolation, spirituality, and the search for meaning in life.
By Selma Lagerlof · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction · 4,901 words
First lines
Once upon a time there was an old farmhouse. It was Christmas-eve, the sky was heavy with snow, and the north wind was biting. It was just that time in the afternoon when everybody was busy finishing their work before they went to the bathhouse to have their Christmas bath. There they had made such a fire that the flames went right up the chimney, and sparks and soot were whirled about by the wind, and fell down on the snow-decked roofs of the outhouses. And as the flames appeared above the chimney of the bathhouse, and rose like a fiery pillar above the farm, everyone suddenly felt that Christmas was at hand. The girl that was scrubbing the entrance floor began to hum, although the water was freezing in the bucket beside her. The men in the woodshed who were cutting Christmas logs began to cut two at a time, and swung their axes as merrily as if log-cutting were a mere pastime.
What this Textopian page supports
The Peace of God 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, Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Drama, Magical Realism
- Length: 4,901 words
- Structure: 1 section, 85 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Peace of God 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 Peace of God?
- 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 narrative focuses on character development, emotional depth, and explores complex themes such as family, tradition, and morality.
- Historical Fiction — The setting reflects a specific time and place, capturing the cultural and social dynamics of rural life during Christmas.
- Religious Fiction — The story incorporates biblical themes and moral lessons, particularly around the concepts of peace and goodwill.
- Drama — The plot involves intense emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by the characters, particularly regarding family and responsibility.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Swedish Literature · Realism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Coming of Age · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Philosophical Themes · Existential Crisis