The Hermit by Carmen Sylva (1987)
A weary figure ascends into the mountains seeking solace from her sorrow. In a secluded spot, she encounters a hermit, a man burdened by his past. He recounts a tragic tale of love, jealousy, and loss. Once a strong and industrious man, he married a beautiful woman named Marie, and they had a joyful life together with their son. However, the return of a rejected suitor ignites jealousy within him, leading to a series of misunderstandings and emotional turmoil. His irrational behavior culminates in a tragic accident where he inadvertently causes his son's death. Consumed by guilt and despair, he isolates himself in the mountains, seeking Rest but finding only sorrow. The hermit reveals that he has not found peace, as his memories of happiness are overshadowed by the pain of his actions. As he finishes his story, the figure of Sorrow listens with empathy. In a moment of grace, Rest appears, soothing the hermit’s anguish and bringing a sense of calm to his tormented soul. Sorrow departs, reflecting on the hermit's fate, leaving behind the weight of her own sorrow as she continues her journey through the night.
By Carmen Sylva · First published 1987 · Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Mystery · 2,374 words
First lines
Sorrow wanted to rest, so one hot midsummer's day she climbed lightly into the high mountains, amid the ancient forests, high, high up, into the region of quiet, solemn solitude. Only here and there a streamlet trickled, or a dry branch that lay upon the thick moss broke under her footsteps. From time to time the leaves swayed, as though the trees breathed; then a sunbeam would creep through and slide across the fallen mossy giant trunks upon which younger life was disporting; little firs and beeches, strawberries and ants in dense confusion. Of a sudden there was an opening, and Sorrow found herself stepping upon a narrow path, beneath towering rocks, at her feet a yawning precipice. After a while the space grew a little wider, and she came to a tiny house attached to the rock like to an eagle's eyrie.
What this Textopian page supports
The Hermit is listed on Textopian as a short story by Carmen Sylva, dated 1987 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Carmen Sylva
- Date: 1987 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Psychological Drama, Thriller
- Length: 2,374 words
- Structure: 1 section, 35 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Hermit by Carmen Sylva
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
- The Hermits by Charles Kingsley
- The Pool H D by D. H. Lawrence
- The Hermit by George William Russell
- The Gift Of The Sea by Rudyard Kipling
- In A Boat by D. H. Lawrence
- The Wanderer by Kahlil Gibran
Genres
- Fiction — The book is a work of fiction outlining imaginary events and characters.
- Adventure — The Hermit's solitary lifestyle sets the groundwork for various adventures.
- Mystery — Mystery and suspense are key elements in the narrative, keeping the reader engaged and intrigued.
- Psychological Drama — The narrative depicts the mental and emotional journey of the Hermit, showcasing elements of psychological drama.
Tags
isolation · self-discovery · solitude · nature · philosophy · inner peace · contemplation · spiritual journey · personal growth · mental health · existentialism · meditation