Dead Man's Plack by Bernard Capes

Name: Dead Man's Plack
Author: Bernard Capes

The story revolves around a young man who returns home after being away for several years. He is met with suspicion and hostility by his family and neighbors due to rumors about his past. The protagonist's attempts to clear his name are hindered by his own guilt and the secrets he keeps. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that the protagonist has indeed been involved in a tragic event, but the details of what actually occurred remain unclear. The story explores themes of guilt, shame, and redemption as the protagonist struggles to come to terms with his past actions.

By Bernard Capes · First published 1908 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Adventure · 2,245 words

First lines

Elfrida, wife of Athelwold, the King's favourite, and daughter and heiress to Olgar Earl of Devonshire, was a beauty of the true Helena complexion. To see her, for most men, was to covet; to possess her, for the one, was to wear a crown of exquisite thorns. The orchard needs most watching when the fruit is ripe, and Elfrida hung at perpetual ripeness, maddening to parched lips without. The keeper of this garden of sweet things might hardly enjoy it for his fear of robbers. And the worst of it was that, to maintain so ravishing a possession in its perfection, no warning as to its own irresistible witchery must be so much as hinted to it, lest the blue innocence of two of the most lovely wondering eyes in the world should be impaired thereby, and self-consciousness usurp in them the place of _naïveté_. Gazing into those artless depths, if one had the privilege, one presently recognised in their little floating motes and shadows the souls of the many who had drowned themselves therein.

What this Textopian page supports

Dead Man's Plack is listed on Textopian as a short story by Bernard Capes, 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: Bernard Capes
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Adventure
Length: 2,245 words
Structure: 1 section, 73 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Bernard Capes fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — This book is part of the 'Historical Vignettes' series which focuses on the events that take place in different historical periods, highlighting the genre of Historical Fiction. It transports readers back in time, giving a sense of history.
Mystery — The title, 'DEAD MAN'S PLACK' suggests hints of mystery. This is evident from the storyline which revolves around unravelling the secrets and exploring unknown aspects, typical of mystery genre.
Adventure — The nature of the narrative where the characters are set off often in historical settings, on a mission, hints at the adventure genre. Such storylines typically entail a journey, exploration or quest, characteristics associated with the Adventure genre.