| Author |
Chesnutt, Charles W. (Charles Waddell), 1858-1932 |
| Title |
The House Behind the Cedars
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| Note |
Reading ease score: 76.6 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
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| Credits |
Produced by Charles Keller. HTML version by Al Haines.
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| Summary |
"The House Behind the Cedars" by Charles W. Chesnutt is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the aftermath of the Civil War, focusing on themes of race, identity, and social status in the Reconstruction South. The primary characters introduced are John Warwick, a young man returning to his hometown of Patesville, North Carolina, and his sister Rena, whose lives are complicated by their heritage and personal aspirations as they navigate their identities in a society deeply divided along racial lines. At the start of the book, Warwick arrives in Patesville, reflecting on the changes the town has undergone since his departure. He is drawn to a striking young woman, whom he later identifies as Rena, his sister, who has blossomed during his absence. The narrative paints a vivid picture of the town's post-war environment, filled with both nostalgia and the scars of conflict. During his exploration, Warwick grapples with memories of his past and his family's complicated legacy. His immediate concern shifts as he learns of Rena's aspirations and the societal obstacles they face. Their reunion sets up a mix of familial bonds and the hurdles of social acceptance in a changing world, laying the groundwork for the struggles that will accompany Rena's journey as she steps into a new life with Warwick’s guidance in a society wary of their shared history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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| Language |
English |
| LoC Class |
PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
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| Subject |
Didactic fiction
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| Subject |
Psychological fiction
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| Subject |
Domestic fiction
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| Subject |
African Americans -- Fiction
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| Subject |
Southern States -- Fiction
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| Subject |
Passing (Identity) -- Fiction
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| Subject |
African American women -- Fiction
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| Subject |
Racism -- Fiction
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| Subject |
Racially mixed people -- Fiction
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| Category |
Text |
| EBook-No. |
472 |
| Release Date |
Mar 1, 1996 |
| Most Recently Updated |
Jan 1, 2021 |
| Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads |
240 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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