The Story of a Story
This novel explores the relationship between a young woman and her grandmother through their shared love of storytelling. The narrative weaves together elements of fantasy, realism, and mythology to create a rich tapestry of experiences that transcend time and space. The story centers around the protagonist's journey as she navigates her own identity and sense of belonging within her family and community. Through her interactions with her grandmother, she uncovers hidden histories and secrets that challenge her perceptions of reality. As the narrative unfolds, the boundaries between past and present begin to blur, and the reader is drawn into a world where myth and legend are intertwined with everyday life. The novel raises questions about the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Ultimately, the story becomes a meditation on the human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a complex and often mysterious world.
By Selma Lagerlof · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction · 4,959 words
First lines
Once there was a story that wanted to be told and sent out in the world. This was very natural, inasmuch as it knew that it was already as good as finished. Many, through remarkable deeds and strange events, had helped create it; others had added their straws in it by again and again relating these things. What it lacked was merely a matter of being joined together, so that it could travel comfortably through the country. As yet it was only a confused jumble of stories -- a big, formless cloud of adventures rushing hither and thither like a swarm of stray bees on a summer's day, not knowing where they will find someone who can gather them into a hive.
What this Textopian page supports
The Story of a Story 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, Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
- Length: 4,959 words
- Structure: 1 section, 64 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Story of a Story by Selma Lagerlof
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Story of a Story?
- 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
- Saint Veronicas Kerchief by Selma Lagerlof
- In The Temple by Selma Lagerlof
- Queens At Kungahalla by Selma Lagerlof
- The Musician by Selma Lagerlof
- Turandina by Fyodor Sologub
- Mongans Frenzy by James Stephens
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep themes of storytelling, creativity, and personal growth, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood and her struggles with identity and purpose align with coming-of-age themes.
- Historical Fiction — The setting in Värmland and references to historical elements provide a backdrop that reflects historical contexts.
- Fantasy — The presence of whimsical elements and the personification of the story itself introduce a fantastical aspect.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Swedish Literature · Realism · Symbolism · Coming of Age · Autobiographical Elements · Historical Fiction · Social Commentary · Psychological Insight · Literary Experimentation · Narrative Structure