Polly by Thomas Nelson Page (1910)
The narrative unfolds on Christmas Eve, centering around a Colonel and his beloved niece, Polly, who has grown up under his care. The Colonel, a robust and cantankerous figure, often threatens to sell Drinkwater Torm, a drunken servant who is nonetheless indispensable to him. Polly, with her charm and innocence, manages to secure Torm's reprieve each time, showcasing her influence over the Colonel. As the story progresses, Polly's childhood friendship with Bob, the son of the Colonel's cousin, deepens into a romantic bond. Bob, a capable and ambitious young man, is determined to marry Polly, but the Colonel's protective nature leads to conflict. When Bob boldly asks for Polly's hand, the Colonel reacts with fury, insisting that no one, not even a king, can have her. This confrontation sets off a series of misunderstandings and emotional turmoil for all involved. Polly, caught between her uncle's fierce love and her feelings for Bob, struggles with her loyalty. The Colonel's attempts to control the situation only exacerbate the tension, leading to Polly's decision to leave for New Orleans with her uncle, which she believes will separate her from Bob forever. However, a chance encounter leads to a secret meeting between Polly and Bob, where they confess their love for each other. As the Colonel's anger and stubbornness grow, he isolates himself, leading to a somber atmosphere on the plantation. The return of Polly on Christmas Eve brings joy, but the Colonel's initial reaction is one of rage and confusion. Ultimately, the warmth of the holiday spirit and Polly's affection soften the Colonel's heart, leading to reconciliation. The story culminates in a festive Christmas celebration, where the Colonel, realizing the depth of his love for Polly and her bond with Bob, embraces their union. The narrative highlights themes of love, family, and the complexities of relationships, set against the backdrop of Southern life and traditions. The Colonel's transformation from a domineering figure to a loving guardian encapsulates the story's emotional core, celebrating the power of love and forgiveness.
By Thomas Nelson Page · First published 1910 · Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction · 15,253 words
First lines
IT was Christmas Eve. I remember it just as if it was yesterday. The Colonel had been pretending not to notice it, but when Drinkwater Torm knocked over both the great candlesticks, and in his attempt to pick them up lurched over himself and fell sprawling on the floor, he yelled at him. Torm pulled himself together, and began an explanation, in which the point was that he had not "teched a drap in Gord knows how long," but the Colonel cut him short.
Torm: This spelling is used because he was called "Torm" until it became his name.
What this Textopian page supports
Polly is listed on Textopian as a novel by Thomas Nelson Page, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Thomas Nelson Page
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Romance
- Length: 15,253 words
- Structure: 1 section, 137 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Polly by Thomas Nelson Page
- 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 Polly?
- How does this novel by Thomas Nelson Page fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Life Of Nancy by Sarah Orne Jewett
- The Butterbean Tent by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- Songs Of Angus The Beadle O Drumlee by Violet Jacob
- In The Bloom Of The Year by Rolf Boldrewood
- Where The Sabots Clatter Again by Katherine Shortall
- May Time by Annie Fellows Johnston
Genres
- Fiction — The book is a work of fiction that explores character-driven narratives and imaginative storytelling.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and themes reflect historical contexts, particularly related to Southern life and culture.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style emphasizes character development and thematic depth, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Coming-of-Age — The narrative likely involves the growth and personal development of the protagonist, typical of coming-of-age stories.
Tags
Southern literature · coming of age · family dynamics · friendship · rural life · childhood · adventure · innocence · loss · cultural heritage · social issues · historical context