The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar
A wealthy man hires a doctor to help him die. The doctor agrees and uses hypnosis to put the man into a trance-like state. As the man's life force begins to fade, he remains conscious but unable to move or speak. The doctor continues to narrate the events as they unfold, describing the man's physical and mental deterioration.
By Edgar Allan Poe · First published 1845 · Genre: Horror, Gothic Fiction, Science Fiction · 4,193 words
First lines
Of course I shall not pretend to consider it any matter for wonder, that the extraordinary case of M. Valdemar has excited discussion. It would have been a miracle had it not -- especially under the circumstances. Through the desire of all parties concerned, to keep the affair from the public, at least for the present, or until we had farther opportunities for investigation -- through our endeavors to effect this -- a garbled or exaggerated account made its way into society, and became the source of many unpleasant misrepresentations; and, very naturally, of a great deal of disbelief.
What this Textopian page supports
The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Allan Poe, dated 1845 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edgar Allan Poe
- Date: 1845 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Gothic Fiction, Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Dark Fantasy
- Length: 4,193 words
- Structure: 1 section, 50 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar 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 The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar?
- How does this novel by Edgar Allan Poe fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Horror — The narrative explores themes of death, the macabre, and the grotesque, creating a chilling atmosphere.
- Gothic Fiction — The story incorporates elements typical of Gothic literature, such as the supernatural, psychological tension, and a focus on death.
- Science Fiction — The exploration of mesmerism and its effects on life and death introduces speculative scientific concepts.
- Psychological Thriller — The tension and psychological manipulation involved in the mesmerism create a thrilling narrative.
Tags
Short Story · Horror Fiction · Psychological Thriller · Supernatural Fiction · Gothic Fiction · Dark Fantasy · Mystery · Suspense · Paranormal Activity · Death and Dying · Life After Death · Near-Death Experience