A True Relation of the Apparition of One Mrs. Ve

Name: A True Relation of the Apparition of One Mrs. Veal
Author: Daniel Defoe

Mrs. Veal's apparition was a real event that took place in the 18th century. Defoe wrote about it in his book "A True Relation of the Apparition of One Mrs. Veal." The story goes as follows: In 1705, a woman named Mrs. Veal died in London. Her ghost appeared to her husband and other family members several times after her death. The apparitions were seen by multiple people over a period of time, and they were described as real and tangible. The events were documented and published in Defoe's book.

By Daniel Defoe · First published 1703 · Genre: Supernatural, Religious, Mystery · 5,172 words

First lines

This thing is so rare in all its circumstances, and on so good / authority, that my reading and conversation has not given me anything / like it: it is fit to gratify the most ingenious and serious inquirer. / Mrs. Bargrave is the person to whom Mrs. Veal appeared after her / death; she is my intimate friend, and I can avouch for her reputation, / for these last fifteen or sixteen years, on my own knowledge; and I / can confirm the good character she had from her youth, to the time of / my acquaintance. Though, since this relation, she is calumniated by / some people, that are friends to the brother of this Mrs. Veal, who / appeared; who think the relation of this appearance to be a / reflection, and endeavour what they can to blast Mrs. Bargrave's / reputation, and to laugh the story out of countenance. But by the / circumstances thereof, and the cheerful disposition of Mrs. Bargrave, / notwithstanding the ill-usage of a very wicked husband, there is not / yet the least sign of dejection in her face; nor did I ever hear her / let fall a desponding or murmuring expression; nay, not when actually / under her husband's barbarity; which I have been witness to, and / several other persons of undoubted reputation.

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A True Relation of the Apparition of One Mrs. Veal is listed on Textopian as a short story by Daniel Defoe, dated 1703 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Daniel Defoe
Date: 1703 CE
Language: English
Genres: Supernatural, Religious, Mystery, Short Story
Length: 5,172 words
Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Supernatural — The story covers the appearance of the ghost of Mrs. Veal - this supernatural plot element categorizes it under this genre.
Religious — Spiritual beliefs and the afterlife are heavy themes in the story, which justifies the religious genre.
Mystery — The story questions the authenticity of the apparition, adding elements of mystery to the plot.
Short Story — The story is brief and compact, making it fit into the short story genre.