Cain's Atonement
"CAIN'S ATONEMENT" is a novella written by Algernon Blackwood in 1910. The story follows the character of Dr. Edwardes, who has recently recovered from a serious illness and is seeking solace in the countryside. While on a hike, he comes across a small village nestled in the mountains, where he meets a mysterious man named Mr. Blanchard. Through their conversations, it becomes clear that Mr. Blanchard is haunted by a dark secret from his past, and Dr. Edwardes finds himself drawn into a web of intrigue and supernatural occurrences. As the story unfolds, Blackwood explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of nature to heal and transform.
By Algernon Blackwood · First published 1908 · Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Mystery · 4,157 words
First lines
So many thousands to-day have deliberately put Self aside, and are ready to yield their lives for an ideal, that it is not surprising a few of them should have registered experiences of a novel order. For to step aside from Self is to enter a larger world, to be open to new impressions. If Powers of Good exist in the universe at all, they can hardly be inactive at the present time.
What this Textopian page supports
Cain's Atonement is listed on Textopian as a short story by Algernon Blackwood, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Algernon Blackwood
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Supernatural, Mystery, Psychological
- Length: 4,157 words
- Structure: 1 section, 32 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Cain's Atonement by Algernon Blackwood
- 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 Cain's Atonement?
- How does this short story by Algernon Blackwood fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Tryst by Algernon Blackwood
- Julius Levallon by Algernon Blackwood
- The Bright Messenger by Algernon Blackwood
- The Other Wing by Algernon Blackwood
- The Sacrifice by Algernon Blackwood
- The Tradition by Algernon Blackwood
Genres
- Horror — Blackwood is known for his ghost stories and supernatural writing style.
- Supernatural — Blackwood often delves into the supernatural in his works, including the idea of atonement and redemption.
- Mystery — The author is known for introducing elements of mystery in his plots.
- Psychological — Blackwood's works often probe the psychological depths of characters dealing with guilt and desire to make up for their wrongs.
Tags
ghost story · supernatural · horror · psychological · thriller · mystery · fantasy · surreal · symbolism · atmospheric · haunting · eerie