A Death-Bed Confession

Name: A Death-Bed Confession
Author: Edith Nesbit

This is a remarkable and intense passage from a novel or short story. The narrator is recounting a traumatic event from their past, in which they attempted to burn down the family home with their cousin Lilian inside. The narrator's motivations are complex and multifaceted, driven by a mix of emotions including jealousy, possessiveness, and a deep-seated love for Lilian. The passage is notable for its vivid and immersive description of the events leading up to the fire, as well as the aftermath. The use of sensory details, such as the smell of oil and brandy, the sound of the flames, and the feeling of coldness and stiffness in the narrator's body, creates a powerful sense of immediacy and authenticity. The narrator's inner turmoil is also expertly conveyed through their language and tone. The use of phrases like "the devil left me" and "I was crouched against a wall, very cold, and my hands hooked into my hair over my ears" suggests a state of extreme emotional distress and disconnection from reality. The twist at the end, in which it is revealed that Lilian had actually escaped the fire and gone on to marry her young man, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The narrator's decision not to reveal the truth to Lilian, and instead allow her to believe that they had tried to save her, speaks to the deep-seated emotional scars that the event has left. Overall, this passage is a masterclass in creating a sense of tension, suspense, and emotional depth through language and narrative technique.

By Edith Nesbit · First published 1899 · Genre: Mystery, Crime, Drama · 4,924 words

First lines

AND so you think I shall go to heaven when I die, sir! And why? Because I have spent my time and what bits of money I've had in looking after the poor in this parish! And I would do it again if I had my time to come over again; but it will take more than that to wipe out my sins, and God forgive me if I can't always believe that even His mercy will be equal to it. You're a clergyman, and you ought to know. I think sometimes the black heart in me, that started me on that deed, must have come from the devil, and that I am his child after all, and shall go back to him at the last. Don't look so shocked, sir. That's not what I really believe; it's only what I sometimes fear I ought to believe, when I wake up in the chill night and think things over, lying here alone.

What this Textopian page supports

A Death-Bed Confession is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1899 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Edith Nesbit
Date: 1899 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Crime, Drama, Suspense
Length: 4,924 words
Structure: 1 section, 57 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for A Death-Bed Confession by Edith Nesbit
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 A Death-Bed Confession?
How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The narrative revolves around a deathbed confession, a common trope in mystery narratives.
Crime — The plot involves the revelation of a crime, a key element in crime fiction.
Drama — The story contains dramatic elements, including tension and conflict.
Suspense — The narrative builds suspense as the confession unfolds.