Morella by Edgar Allan Poe (1835)
The story revolves around a man who marries a woman named Morella, despite her being an enigmatic and mysterious figure. He becomes increasingly obsessed with understanding her, but she remains elusive and uncommunicative. As their relationship progresses, the narrator begins to notice strange occurrences and omens that suggest Morella is not what she seems. He starts to suspect that she may be a vessel for some malevolent force or entity. The narrator's obsession with uncovering the truth about Morella ultimately leads to his downfall, as he becomes trapped in a world of madness and despair. The story explores themes of love, obsession, and the blurring of reality and fantasy.
By Edgar Allan Poe · First published 1835 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Romance · 2,509 words
First lines
Αυτο καθ' αυτο μεθ' αυτου, μονοειδεϛ αιει ον. Itself, by itself, solely, one everlasting, and single. Plato, Sympos
What this Textopian page supports
Morella is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, dated 1835 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: 1835 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Romance, Philosophical Fiction, Dark Fantasy
- Length: 2,509 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Morella by Edgar Allan Poe
- 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Morella?
- How does this short story by Edgar Allan Poe fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The story features dark themes, supernatural elements, and a focus on death and the macabre, characteristic of Gothic literature.
- Horror — The narrative evokes fear and dread through its exploration of identity, death, and the uncanny, creating a chilling atmosphere.
- Romance — The complex relationship between the protagonist and Morella, marked by deep emotional connections and tragic love, aligns with romantic themes.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text delves into existential questions about identity, existence, and the nature of the soul, reflecting philosophical inquiries.
Tags
Gothic Fiction · Dark Romance · Tragic Love Story · Madness · Obsession · Death · Loss · Isolation · Psychological Horror · Symbolism · Dual Identity · Duality of Human Nature