The Wise Men's Well
The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her childhood home after being away for many years. She finds that the village has changed and so have its people. The narrative explores themes of identity, community, and the complexities of human relationships.
By Selma Lagerlof · First published 1908 · Genre: Fantasy, Allegory, Religious · 3,359 words
First lines
In old Judea the Drought crept, gaunt and hollow-eyed, between shrunken thistles and yellowed grass.
It was summertime. The sun beat down upon the backs of unshaded hills, and the slightest breath of wind tore up thick clouds of lime dust from the grayish-white ground. The herds stood huddled together in the valleys, by the dried-up streams.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wise Men's Well is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
- Author: Selma Lagerlof
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Allegory, Religious, Literary Fiction, Mythology
- Length: 3,359 words
- Structure: 1 section, 54 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Wise Men's Well 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 Wise Men's Well?
- How does this novel 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 features supernatural elements, such as the personification of the Drought and the Well, and the mystical journey of the wise men guided by a star.
- Allegory — The story conveys deeper moral and philosophical meanings, exploring themes of humility, wisdom, and the contrast between material wealth and spiritual fulfillment.
- Religious — The plot centers around the biblical figures of the wise men and their journey to honor a newborn king, reflecting themes of faith and divine guidance.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is rich and descriptive, focusing on character development and thematic depth rather than action-driven plot.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Swedish Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Coming of Age · Family Drama · Small Town Life · Morality Tale · Philosophical Themes · Psychological Insight · Character Study