Mr. Tilly's Séance by E.F. Benson
Mr. Tilly's Séance by E.F. Benson is a short story that revolves around the character of Mr. Tilly who hosts a séance in his home. The story begins with Mr. Tilly inviting guests to his house for a séance, which he claims will allow them to communicate with their deceased loved ones. However, as the séance progresses, it becomes clear that something is amiss and that Mr. Tilly may not be who he appears to be. The story ends with the guests leaving Mr. Tilly's house, unsure of what they have experienced but feeling unsettled by their encounter with him.
By E.F. Benson · Genre: Horror, Gothic, Mystery · 7,120 words
First lines
Mr. Tilly had only the briefest moment for reflection, when, as he slipped and fell on the greasy wood pavement at Hyde Park Corner, which he was crossing at a smart trot, he saw the huge traction-engine with its grooved ponderous wheels towering high above him.
"Oh, dear! oh, dear! " he said petulantly, "it will certainly crush me quite flat, and I shan't be able to be at Mrs. Cumberbatch's séance! Most provoking! A-ow!"
What this Textopian page supports
Mr. Tilly's Séance is listed on Textopian as a novel by E.F. Benson, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: E.F. Benson
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Gothic, Mystery
- Length: 7,120 words
- Structure: 1 section, 116 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mr. Tilly's Séance by E.F. Benson
- 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 Mr. Tilly's Séance?
- How does this novel by E.F. Benson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Mrs Amworth by E. F. Benson
- Sinister House by Fred M. White
- The Spectre Smitten by Samuel Warren
- And The Dead Spake by E. F. Benson
- What Was It A Mystery by Fitz James Obrien
- Thorley Weir by E. F. Benson
Genres
- Horror — The book centers on a ghost-like figure and elements of the supernatural, both indicative of the horror genre.
- Gothic — The dark, supernatural themes and creepy atmosphere connect the book with the gothic genre.
- Mystery — Mystery elements are also present as the plot revolves around Mr. Tilly's unexpected appearances which creates a sense of unknown.
Tags
mystery · supernatural · seance · ghosts · paranormal · suspense · thriller · occult · drama · humor · Victorian · literary fiction