Roderick's Story by E.F. Benson
Roderick's Story is a short story written by E.F. Benson in 1908. It tells the tale of a young man named Roderick who falls in love with a beautiful woman named Mary. However, he soon discovers that she has been cursed to die if she ever marries or sleeps with anyone other than her true love. Despite this, Roderick is determined to win Mary's heart and save her from the curse. The story begins with Roderick meeting Mary for the first time at a party. He is immediately captivated by her beauty and charm, but he also senses that there is something mysterious about her. When she tells him of her curse, he is determined to break it and save her from death. Over the course of the story, Roderick and Mary fall in love and spend more time together. However, they are constantly haunted by the fear that their relationship will lead to Mary's death. Despite this, they continue to pursue each other, knowing that they cannot live without one another. In the end, Roderick is able to break the curse and save Mary from her fate. The story ends with a happy ending as the two lovers are finally free to be together forever.
By E.F. Benson · Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller · 6,866 words
First lines
My powers of persuasion at first seemed quite ineffectual; I could not induce my friend Roderick Cardew to strike his melancholy tent in Chelsea, and (leaving it struck) steal away like the Arabs and spend this month of spring with me at my newly acquired house at Tilling to observe the spell of April's wand making magic in the country. I seemed to have brought out all the arguments of which I was master; he had been very ill, and his doctor recommended a clearer air with as mild a climate as he could conveniently attain; he loved the great stretches of drained marsh-land which lay spread like a pool of verdure round the little town; he had not seen my new home which made a breach in the functions of hospitality, and he really could not be expected to object to his host, who, after all, was one of his oldest friends.
What this Textopian page supports
Roderick's Story is listed on Textopian as a novella 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: Novella
- Author: E.F. Benson
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Gothic literature
- Length: 6,866 words
- Structure: 1 section, 111 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Roderick's Story 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 Roderick's Story?
- How does this novella by E.F. Benson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Horror — The book is primarily a horror novel due to its plot revolving around supernatural and eerie events.
- Mystery — Elements of mystery are present as the protagonist uncovers hidden secrets and truths.
- Thriller — There is a consistent element of suspense and excitement, placing it within the Thriller genre.
- Gothic literature — The use of atmosphere, emotion, and setting aligns with conventions of gothic literature.
Tags
gothic · mystery · psychological · drama · suspense · family · relationships · identity · secrets · betrayal · isolation · mental health