Agnes Grey is Anne Bronte’s story about a governess, similar to her sister’s work Jane Eyre in that both novels explore the social issues that a Victorian governess not only observes but becomes involved with. Agnes Grey was Anne’s first novel.
Source: Brontë, A. (1847). Agnes Grey. London: Smith Elder and Co.
Agnes Grey narrates her family background and the circumstances that led to her employment as a governess.
Agnes Grey meets the family for which she will be governess. The mistress and children are not quite what she expected.
Agnes Grey details the challenges posed by her charges, and the strained relations she feels within the family. She rises to the challenge, determined to succeed.
Agnes Grey details the behavior of the children, their father, and his mother. She laments the short vacation she was given to visit with her family, and finds understanding only in the nurse.
Agnes Grey describes the uncle and her reasons for disliking him. She relates the story of teaching Tom he can’t torture little birds. Mrs. Bloomfield makes a suprising announcement.
Agnes Grey spends time with her family, but finally determines to seek employment and try her hand at becoming a governess once more.
Agnes Grey describes her new position and the family for whom she works.
Miss Murray and Agnes Grey discuss the upcoming ball, family, and marriage.
The Murray girls tell Agnes Grey of the happenings while she was with family. Rosalie shows herself to be rather vain.
The ladies attend church. Agnes shares her views on the preaching of Hatfield and Weston.
Agnes Grey tells of visiting the poor cottagers. While on a visit, she learns more of Mr. Weston.
Agnes Grey visits Nancy Brown and has a chance to meet with Mr. Weston. Matilda scolds her for leaving.
The ladies frequent church, for varying reasons. Agnes Grey meets with Mr. Weson again, which leads to teasing from the Murray girls.
Agnes Grey tries to supervise Miss Murray in her visits with the rector. She discovers the true depth of their relationship.
Miss Murray finds herself looking for a new source of entertainment. She and Agnes Grey go into town and meet with Mr. Weston.
Rosalie decides to take on a new conquest, but Agnes Grey feels somewhat less anxiety about the result
Agnes Grey details her confessions, and the wishes she hides in her heart.
Rosalie is wed, and Agnes Grey and Matilda are left to entertain themselves. Agnes Grey finds that she is called home earlier than expected.
The Grey ladies are concerned about what steps to take to secure their future. A letter arrives from the long lost grandfather, and a response is sent.
Agnes Grey returns to Horton House, and prepares herself for the idea of never more seeing Mr. Weston.
Agnes Grey tries to convince herself to abandon thoughts of hope regarding Mr. Weston. A letter arrives from Rosalie.
Agnes Grey pays her visit to Ashby Park.
Rosalie reveals her feelings about life and marriage.
A walk on the beach brings Agnes new hope.
Agnes arranges a meeting between her mother and Mr. Weston. She finds out the true meaning behind his visits.
Source: Stearns, R.E.C (1869) American Naturalist: Rambles in Florida
An introduction to the history, landmarks, and natural life of Fernandina.
A description of the journey to—and arrival at—Cedar Key. The rail, the towns, and the various features of the landscape are described.
The journey continues to Tampa, where the workings of the city are observed. There are pests and problems as well as the beauty of the natural world.
The journey concludes with an exploration of Rocky Point, Pinellas, and the surroundings. A view of the workings and wildlife of the area is presented, with details of the history accompanying the descriptions.
Anne of Green Gables is a coming-of-age novel about Anne Shirley, the Cuthbert’s, and the community of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island.
Source: Montgomery, L.M. (1908) Anne of Green Gables London, England: L.C. Page and Co.
Mrs. Rachel Lynde receives word of a new addition to the Cuthbert home.
Matthew Cuthbert finds a mistake has been made at the orphanage.
Marilla voices her surprise at the arrival of Anne. Anne spends her first night at the Cuthbert house.
Anne wakes to her first day at the Cuthbert house. Matthew devises a plan to allow Anne to stay.
Anne tells Marilla how she came to be at the orphanage. Anne begins to have a change of heart.
A proposition is offered to Marilla by Mrs. Spencer.
Marilla begins her upbringing of Anne.
Marilla gives Anne some pleasant news.
Mrs. Rachel Lynde is introduced to Anne. Marilla empathizes with Anne.
Matthew convinces Anne to change her mind. Marilla starts to develop a motherly affection for Anne.
Anne is not impressed with the service at Sunday-school.
Anne and Diane Berry become fast friends. Marilla is impressed by Anne’s generosity.
Anne is anxious to attend the church picnic.
Anne is punished after Marilla’s broach goes missing
Anne quickly adjusts to school but finds it unbearable once Gilbert Blythe shows up.
Anne invites Diana to tea. An innocent mistake leads to a harsh sentence.
Longing to see Diana, Anne returns to school.
Anne comes to the aid of the Barry family.
Anne and Diana’s unexpected encounter with Josephine Barry leads to an unusual arrangement.
Anne’s imagination becomes a nuisance to Marilla.
The new minister and his wife have dinner at the Cuthbert house. A nervous Anne assists in the kitchen.
Anne is invited to tea by Mrs. Allan. Avonlea awaits the arrival of a new teacher.
Anne’s defense of her honor ends in injury. The new teacher arrives.
Mrs. Rachel and Marilla question Miss Stacy’s teaching methods.
Matthew summons his courage to update Anne’s wardrobe. Anne receives a gift from Diana’s aunt.
In an attempt to help improve Diana’s imagination, The Story Club is formed.
Anne attempts to change her hair color, causing less than desirable results.
The reenactment of a piece of poetry results in a near disaster. Gilbert Blythe shows up just in time, but he is still not forgiven by Anne.
Anne’s visit to Aunt Josephine’s house gives her a new perspective on city-life and wealth.
Anne is given the opportunity to prepare for the Queen’s Academy exam. Matthew’s health is cause for concern. Marilla continues to be impressed by Anne.
Anne returns to her last year of school in Avonlea. Marilla begins to miss the younger, more imaginative Anne as her departure from Avonlea comes closer.
The Avonlea Scholars take the exam.
Anne overcomes her stage fright to give a recital at a local upscale hotel.
Anne departs for Queen’s Academy, taking comfort in the few familiar faces there.
Anne’s feelings regarding Gilbert start to change. The students prepare for exams as Anne admires the natural beauty of Queen’s Academy.
Exam results are posted, bringing positive news to Anne. The Cuthbert’s continuing health problems concern Anne.
Bad news from the bank affects leaves a void in the Cuthbert house. Marilla tells Anne about her relationship with Mr. Blythe.
Anne makes declines an education opportunity in order to save Green Gables. Gilbert and Anne finally become friends.
At the Dry Tortugas During the War is an account written by Emily Holder describing her memories of Fort Jefferson.
Source: Holder, E. (1892). At the Dry Tortugas During the War. San Francisco, CA: Californian Illustrated Magazine.
The following is an account written by Emily Holder describing her memories of Fort Jefferson. They tell the poignant and often fascinating story of the hardships, isolation and drama of daily life at the Dry Tortugas in the nineteenth century.
The following is an account written by Emily Holder describing her memories of Fort Jefferson. They tell the poignant and often fascinating story of the hardships, isolation and drama of daily life at the Dry Tortugas in the nineteenth century.
The following is an account written by Emily Holder describing her memories of Fort Jefferson. They tell the poignant and often fascinating story of the hardships, isolation and drama of daily life at the Dry Tortugas in the nineteenth century.
The following is an account written by Emily Holder describing her memories of Fort Jefferson. They tell the poignant and often fascinating story of the hardships, isolation and drama of daily life at the Dry Tortugas in the nineteenth century.
The following is an account written by Emily Holder describing her memories of Fort Jefferson. They tell the poignant and often fascinating story of the hardships, isolation and drama of daily life at the Dry Tortugas in the nineteenth century.
Babbitt is a novel by Sinclair Lewis. Largely a satire of American culture, society, and behavior, it critiques the vacuity of middle-class American life and its pressure on individuals toward conformity.
Source: Lewis, S. (1922) Babbitt New York: Harcourt, Brace & Co.
Another day begins in the Babbitt household. The reader is introduced to George and Myra Babbitt.
The Babbitt family assembles for breakfast. The reader is introduced to the Babbitt children, Verona, Ted, and little Tinka.
George Babbitt departs for work after a brief discussion with his neighbor, Mr. Littlefield.
George’s assignment at the advertising agency leaves him feeling unsatisfied. George reaps the benefits of having advised Archibald Purdy in a real estate matter.
George continues to admire Zenith as he prepares for lunch at the Athletic Club. Reluctantly, George acknowledges his feeling of discontent to Riesling.
George and a client take a tour of a local tenement. George meets his father-in-law to ensure a good price on a future purchase. George decides to have a conversation about «morals» with his son.
George gets updated on current affairs while Myra sleeps.
George and Myra decide to throw a dinner party the local «intellects».
After the conclusion of the dinner party, George makes a confession to Myra.
George and Myra’s visit to Riesling upsets Zilla. George and Riesling prepare to take a trip.
Traveling from New York, the businessman in the smoking car discuss a number of issues.
George, having recently returned from vacation, resolves to conduct himself differently in the coming year.
George appointment as an official delegate comes with newfound sense respect.
George’s work on the Mayoral campaign results in ethically questionable compensation.
In an attempt to be invited into a country club, George and Myra extend a dinner invitation.
George continues his attempts at join a local club. Reverend Drew asks for George’s assistance.
The wealthy Eathorne’s approval of George’s suggestions gives him great pleasure. George’s standing in the church continues to increase.
George is concerned with Ted’s choices and interests, which are contrary to his own. An incident at Ted’s party causes tension between the Babbitt’s and Littlefield’s. A visit from family only increases George’s irritation with matters at home.
George’s unethical practices continue to bring him monetary gain. A former employee threatens to reveal George’s corrupt business practices. While on a business trip, George encounters Gerald Doak.
Concerned for his friend’s well-being, George waits for Riesling at his hotel room only to find out that things are not as they seem.
George achieves a level of success as a member of the Booster’s Club, and later learns some unsettling news regarding Riesling.
Depressed without his friends, George seeks other outlets to distract him from his unsatisfactory life.
An encounter with an old friend causes some unexpected changes in George’s behavior.
George’s visit with Riesling leaves him feeling depressed and despondent. An attractive widow, Tanis Judique, drops by George’s office for some assistance.
George’s fantasies continue to negatively affect his home life, as he considers more drastic measures to ease his restless mind.
George encounters Seneca Doane on the train back to Zenith. George attempts to help Riesling with his legal matters, but is met with resistance from an embittered Zilla. George refuses to allow his son to transfer schools.
A tense situation with striking workers in Zenith forces the National Guard to intervene. George’s criticism of Reverend Drew’s sermon causes a noticeable change in his friends demeanor towards him.
George’s relationship with Tanis takes a toll on his marriage, while his liberal opinions put him at odds with his friends.
George’s involvement with Tanis begins to take a toll on his health and reputation. George receives his first invitation into the Good Citizen’s League.
Myra’s, having returned from her sister’s, protests her husbands strange new behavior.
Feeling guilty for his treatment of his Myra, George breaks off his relationship with Tanis.
Myra confronts George with her suspicions. George’s refusal to conform begins to greatly affect both is social and professional relationships.
A sudden illness brings Myra and George closer. George receives another invitation to join the Good Citizen’s League.
George minimizes his involvement in the Good Citizen’s League. Although he actively engages in unethical business practices, George hopes to the corruption in Zenith’s business community will come to an end. A decision by Ted and Eunice divides the family while creating a sense of solidarity between father and son.
Beowulf, the epic tale of adventure that follows Beowulf as he battles Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, and later becomes king. Beowulf was originally written in Old English by an unknown Anglo-Saxon poet sometime between the 8th and 11th centuries. It is one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature. This translation, by Professor Francis Gummere, was first published in 1910.
Source: Gummere, F.B. (1910). Beowulf. New York: P.F. Collier and Son.
«Lo, praise of the prowess of people-kings, of spear-armed Danes, in days long sped,»
The beloved Beow takes his rightful place as heir to the throne of the Scyldings, who continue to experience prosperity.
Grendel is angered by the constant happiness of the Scyldings. The Scyldings are driven from the great hall.
The Castle of Otranto is considered the first «gothic» novel, a genre that loves melodrama, mystery, hidden places, ancestral curses, and fainting heroines. Its roots are the «romance,» which was a tale of heroism (not love as it is now known), and the Romantic movement in literature, which focused on emotion and the sublimity of nature. When The Castle of Otranto was first published, it was said to be a translation of a lost medieval transcript, and received positive attention. But when it was next published, the truth was revealed—that the story was quite modern and written by a priviledged author. Critics then panned it, but it survives today as the seminal Gothic literary novel.
Source: Walpole, H. (1765). The Castle of Otranto. London, England: Thomas Lownds.
The preface to the book.
On his wedding day, Conrad is crushed by a giant helmet. Menfred, Conrad’s father makes advances toward Isabella, Conrad’s betrothed.
There is news of the Princess’s death.
After receiving a visit from Jerome, Manfred confronts him calling him “Usurper”.
Frederic explains to Hippolita that he is destined by Heaven to do her harm. When she explains that she understands, it grieves him.
Manfred is expelled and all is concluded.
This book is a collection of traditional tales. The collection was assembled by Scottish folklorist Andrew Lang although authorship of the stories is unknown. Lang published several collections of traditional tales, collectively known as Andrew Lang’s Fairy Books.
Source: Lang, A. (Ed.). (1904). The Brown Fairy Book. London: Longmans, Green & Co.
A story about a group of youths that steal the child of a Bunyip and turn the town into swans.
A litte hare has no parents and is raised by his grandmother. By great cunning, he is able to catch their dinner and also capture fire by a narrow escape from being eaten himself.
A man is stranded on an island because of a trick his friend played on him out of jealousy. He meets another woman and they live a magical life.
A man is cursed by a wicked fairy and is doomed to be only a head to the world. However, he is very powerful and is able to complete impossible deeds to impress the sultan and marry his daughter.
A fairy tale about Father Grumbler’’s hardships and the Holy Man’s attempts to help him. However, Father Grumbler does not heed the Holy Man’s directions and gets what he deserves.
A man teaches his wife not to run after fortune, but rather to wait until it comes around on its own.
A fox tricks a merchant and steals his fish. He meets all sorts of clever creatures that he must outsmart on his journey back.
Helga, the youngest, prettiest and smartest of three daughters, requests what seems to be the simplest choice for a husband and because she trusts her situation, she receives the most extravagance of the three girls.
Rosald, the son of a poor knight, and Geirald, the son of a rich man, head on a quest commissioned by Geirald’s father. In return for taking care of Rosald’s expenses, Geirald requests that Rosald give all credit of their quest to him. Rosald agrees and his ability to keep his promise proves to change his luck.
The miller’s wedding was to be a big event, therefore he invited men and animals alike. Various animals go on their way to the wedding until a young boy warns them of the cruelty of man. Those that don’t heed his advice never return from the wedding and remain the servants of man.
The youngest of three sons is able to rescue his brothers with the help of some friends he meets along the way.
A princess is captured and maimed by a giant and is rescued and made whole again by her childhood cat. When the princess marries, her cat is transformed into a beautiful princess. She had been under a spell that could only be broken by a good deed that had never been performed before.
A fairy tale about two boys born to a man who catches a magical fish. They go their separate ways and have their separate adventures. Both end in success.
The cat and the lion are brothers. Although the lion is stronger, the cat has a magical golden ball to protect himself. However, the ball is actually a handsome young man that is under a spell and can only be released by two young maidens.
A fairy tale in which a king promises a mermaid that he will give her his first born child. The prince that is born spends his life running from the mermaid and does escape her.
A short story with a protagonist and antagonist that mirror the good things that happen when one obeys directions and the bad things that occur when one doesn’t. Through magic “good” conquers “evil.”
A story of a prince who has three fates declared by fairies: a crocodile, a snake, and a dog. However, his wife proves to be stronger than his three fates.
A fairy tale about the gnome Rubezahl who tried to understand the trickery of man by capturing a princess and marrying her.
A fairy tale about a girl rejected by her father. She falls in love with the son of an ogre and has a girl that is to be eaten by him. Instead the mother gives her to an old woman who raises her at the bottom of the lake. She is able to return to her family as a woman.
A fairy tale about a peasant boy that is set to many tasks and completes each through magic and the help of supernatural friends he meets along the way.
A fairy tale about a king who tries to change the fate of his daughter and instead insures the fate that has been assigned to her.
A young man and maiden were to be married. However, every night the young man bathed in the small pools in the forest and the Yara sang to him, trying to lure him from his betrothed.
An old man saves his money and does not know what to do with it. He buys a beautiful bracelet and gives it to a princess who sends him an extravagant gift that he then immediately sends to a prince. There is a constant exchange of gifts between the three until the old man is transformed into a man of great wealth and the prince and princess find each other.
A fairy tale about the antics of a clever tortoise and a very mischievous monkey.
A turtle asks a girl to marry him, and she consents, not taking him seriously. He then tries to force her to be his, and she finally gets revenge on him.
Two wives wish to figure out which of their husbands are the most foolish, and devise plans to test them.
A story about a wolverine who is not very kind and who does not get punishment for what he does.
The Blithedale Romance is the third of the major novels of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Much of the action of the novel is set at Blithedale, a utopian socialist community that is founded upon anti-capitalist ideals, yet is destroyed by the self-interested behavior of its members.
Source: Hawthorne, N. (1852) The Blithedale Romance Concord : Ticknor and Fields
The author explains to the reader that the basis for the book came from the story Book Farm.
The narrator talks of the Veiled Lady and Mr. Moodie.
The narrator describes a journey through a storm
The introduction of Zenobia and the ideals the community plans to live by during their «experiment» at Blithedale.
The community is interrupted during their first evening together by the arrival of Hollingsworth and a mysterious stranger.
Coverdale observes his new companions.
Coverdale is bed-ridden due to illness. He is attended by Hollingsworth during his rantings, forming a friendship between the men. Zenobia visits with gruel, and he tries to discover the secrets of her past.
Priscilla visits Coverdale with a gift. Hollingsworth and Coverdale argue about the ideas of philanthropy.
Coverdale compares the feminine characteristics of Zenobia and Priscilla. He discusses the plan for the community at Blithedale, and the reaction of those outside the community.
Coverdale studies the relationships forming between Hollingsworth, Zenobia, and Priscilla. He tries to exert his own influence within this circle.
Moodie reappears, on a mysterious visit to see the ladies of Blithedale.
Coverdale encounters a stranger bound for Blithedale, and begins to question his involvement with Zenobia.
Coverdale uses his «hermitage» to try to learn more about the stranger and Zenobia’s relationship.
Zenobia tells a legend involving the mystery of the Veiled Lady.
The foursome spend time at Eliot’s Pulpit, discussing issues of womens’ rights.
Hollingsworth and Coverdale face-off regarding the ideas of philanthropy held by the former and opposed by the latter.
Coverdale decides to leave Blithedale for the city.
Arriving in the city, Coverdale spends most of his time alone in his rooms.
Coverdale is surprised to discover the identity of his neighbors.
Zenobia and Coverdale meet again, though much has changed since their first meeting at Blithedale.
Coverdale makes an attempt to «protect» Priscilla, who chooses to leave with Zenobia and the professor.
Coverdale seeks out Moodie, trying to discover the secrets of Priscilla’s past.
Many questions are answered in the history told by Moodie.
Once again, the Veiled Lady returns. Coverdale encounters several of his Blithedale companions.
Upon his return to Blithedale, Coverdale stumbles upon a strange scene.
Issues are confronted as the foursome is once again reunited at Eliot’s Pulpit.
Zenobia breaks down and asks Coverdale to relay a message to Hollingsworth before disappearing into the woods.
Coverdale, Hollingsworth, and Foster are forced to take on an unhappy midnight search, with tragic results.
The community at Blithedale hosts a funeral.
Coverdale makes one final confession.
