The Monstrance by Arthur Machen
The story revolves around a mysterious and ancient relic known as the Monstrance, which holds significant spiritual power. The protagonist, a scholar, becomes obsessed with uncovering its secrets and ultimately discovers that it has the ability to heal physical ailments. However, his obsession leads him down a dark path of self-destruction, as he becomes increasingly consumed by the Monstrance's power. His relationships with others deteriorate, and he begins to lose touch with reality. The narrative explores themes of obsession, spirituality, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. The story builds towards a climactic confrontation between the protagonist and the forces that seek to control him.
By Arthur Machen · First published 1906 · Genre: Horror, War Fiction, Psychological Fiction · 1,860 words
First lines
Then it fell out in the sacring of the Mass that right as the priest heaved up the Host there came a beam redder than any rose and smote upon it, and then it was changed bodily into the shape and fashion of a Child having his arms stretched forth, as he had been nailed upon the Tree. Old Romance
What this Textopian page supports
The Monstrance is listed on Textopian as a short story by Arthur Machen, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Arthur Machen
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, War Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Religious Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 1,860 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Monstrance by Arthur Machen
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Monstrance?
- How does this short story by Arthur Machen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Horror — The narrative explores themes of fear, the supernatural, and psychological terror, particularly through the protagonist's hallucinations and the haunting imagery of the priest and children.
- War Fiction — The setting is during a military conflict, focusing on the experiences and psychological states of soldiers, particularly through the diary of Karl Heinz.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the mental deterioration of the protagonist, exploring themes of perception, reality, and the mind's fragility under stress.
- Religious Fiction — The presence of religious symbols, such as the monstrance and the priest, and themes of faith and spirituality are central to the narrative.
Tags
Supernatural Fiction · Gothic Horror · Occultism · Mystery · Psychological Thriller · Atmospheric Setting · Sense of Dread · Unreliable Narrator · Paranormal Activity · Catholic Themes · Symbolism · Cosmic Horror