Metzengerstein by Edgar Allan Poe
The story revolves around a young nobleman who becomes obsessed with the idea of revenge against his family's enemies after his father's death. He discovers an ancient and mysterious horse that he believes to be a harbinger of evil, and through it, he seeks to exact vengeance on those responsible for his father's demise.
By Edgar Allan Poe · First published 1812 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Fantasy · 3,701 words
First lines
Pestis eram vivus -- moriens tua mors ero. Martin Luther
Horror and fatality have been stalking abroad in all ages. Why then give a date to this story I have to tell? Let it suffice to say, that at the period of which I speak, there existed, in the interior of Hungary, a settled although hidden belief in the doctrines of the Metempsychosis. Of the doctrines themselves -- that is, of their falsity, or of their probability -- I say nothing. I assert, however, that much of our incredulity -- as La Bruyère says of all our unhappiness -- "vient de ne pouvoir être seuls. "2
What this Textopian page supports
Metzengerstein is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, dated 1812 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edgar Allan Poe
- Date: 1812 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, Tragedy, Romanticism
- Length: 3,701 words
- Structure: 1 section, 42 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Metzengerstein by Edgar Allan Poe
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Metzengerstein?
- How does this short story by Edgar Allan Poe fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The story features dark themes, supernatural elements, and a brooding atmosphere typical of Gothic literature.
- Horror — The narrative evokes fear and dread through its portrayal of madness, death, and the supernatural.
- Fantasy — Elements of the supernatural, such as the horse's transformation and the themes of reincarnation, align with fantasy conventions.
- Tragedy — The story explores themes of downfall and fatalism, culminating in the tragic end of the protagonist.
Tags
Gothic Fiction · Horror · Short Story · Supernatural · Dark Fantasy · Psychological Thriller · Atmospheric Setting · Mysterious Plot · Family Drama · Madness · Obsession · Revenge Tragedy