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Cover of The Wall Between

The Wall Between

Written by Sara Ware Bassett

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About this book

"The Wall Between" by Sara Ware Bassett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the longstanding feud between two neighboring families, the Howes and the Websters, represented by the main characters Martin Howe and Ellen Webster. Their rivalry, symbolized by a crumbling wall that separates their farms, has been passed down through generations, resulting in a stubborn refusal to reconcile and cooperate. The narrative explores themes of pride, hostility, and the impact of family legacy. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to the significance of the wall that divides the Howe and Webster properties, encapsulating a century of animosity. As tensions manifest in everyday interactions between Ellen Webster and Martin Howe, both characters exhibit deep-seated pride and resentment, spurred by their family's history. Ellen, a fiercely independent woman, feels her agricultural legacy is threatened, particularly with the arrival of her niece, Lucy, who unexpectedly becomes a key player in the unfolding drama. With contrasting perspectives and personalities emerging, the novel sets the stage for exploring how the legacies of the past influence the present and the potential for change embodied in the younger generation.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Wall Between, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Historical
  • Conflictual
  • Hopeful

Sara Ware Bassett's "The Wall Between" delves into the entrenched, generational feud between the Howe and Webster families, primarily embodied by Martin Howe and Ellen Webster. Their bitter rivalry, symbolized by a crumbling physical wall dividing their farms, has been passed down for a century, fueled by stubborn pride and historical grievances. The arrival of Ellen's niece, Lucy, introduces a fresh perspective that challenges the deeply rooted animosity. The novel explores the destructive nature of inherited conflict and the potential for the younger generation to forge a path toward reconciliation and cooperation, questioning the enduring power of family legacy.

“That wall ain't just stone and mortar, it's a hundred years of Howe stubbornness, and it ain't comin' down on my watch.”

Key themes

Family Legacy and Generational Conflict
The core theme of the novel, exploring how family history, grudges, and traditions can dictate the present and future. The feud between the Howes and Websters is not of Martin and Ellen's making, yet they are bound by it, illustrating the heavy burden of inherited animosity and the difficulty of breaking free from established patterns.
Pride and Stubbornness
This theme examines the powerful, often destructive, role of individual and collective pride. Both Martin and Ellen exhibit deep-seated pride that prevents them from admitting fault, seeking compromise, or even simply communicating civilly. Their stubbornness locks them into a cycle of hostility, valuing the preservation of their family's 'honor' over personal happiness or community harmony.
Reconciliation and Forgiveness
The novel ultimately explores the possibility and challenges of reconciliation. It questions what it takes for individuals to let go of old grievances, forgive past wrongs (real or perceived), and move towards a more peaceful coexistence. Lucy's role is critical here, representing the hope that bridges can be built and that the cycle of animosity can be broken through empathy and open-mindedness.

Worth discussing

How does the physical wall symbolize the emotional and historical barriers between the families? What other symbols are present in the novel?

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