The Power of Darkness
The Power of Darkness is a novel by Edith Nesbit, first published in 1895. It tells the story of a young woman, Mary, who is struggling to make her way in the world. She is determined to make something of her life, but is constantly thwarted by her family’s expectations and the social conventions of the time. Mary’s story begins when she is sent away to a boarding school, where she meets a mysterious stranger, Mr. Grey. He is a mysterious figure who seems to have a strange power over her. As Mary’s life progresses, she finds herself drawn into a web of secrets and lies, and discovers the power of darkness that lies within her own heart. The Power of Darkness is a gripping and powerful story of a young woman’s struggle to find her place in the world. It is a story of love, betrayal, and the power of the human spirit.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1924 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy · 5,459 words
First lines
It was an enthusiastic send-off. Half the students from her atelier were there, and twice as many more from other studios. She had been the belle of the Artists' Quarter in Montparnasse for three golden months. Now she was off to the Riviera to meet her people, and everyone she knew was at the Gare de Lyon to catch the last glimpse of her. And, as had been more than once said late of an evening, "to see her was to love her". She was one of those agitating blondes, with the naturally rippled hair, the rounded rose-leaf cheeks, the large violet-blue eyes, that looked all things and meant Heaven alone knew how little. She held her court like a queen, leaning out of the carriage window and receiving bouquets, books, journals, long last words, and last longing looks. All eyes were on her, and her eyes were for all-and her smile. For all but one, that is. Not a single glance went Edward's way, and Edward-tall, lean, gaunt, with big eyes, straight nose, and the mouth somewhat too small, too beautiful-seemed to grow thinner and paler before one's eyes. One pair of eyes at least saw the miracle worked, the paling of what had seemed absolute pallor, the revelation of the bones of a face that seemed already covered but by the thinnest possible veil of flesh.
What this Textopian page supports
The Power of Darkness is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edith Nesbit, dated 1924 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1924 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Romance
- Length: 5,459 words
- Structure: 1 section, 203 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Power of Darkness 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 The Power of Darkness?
- How does this novel by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Ghosts Of A Lunatic Asylum by Stephen Vincent Benet
- The Terror by Arthur Machen
- The Vigil by W. W. Jacobs
- Wyndham Towers by Thomas Bailey Aldrich
- The Inferno by Henri Barbusse
Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The title of the book, 'The Power of Darkness', implies a dark and mysterious atmosphere, which is a common element of Gothic fiction.
- Mystery — The title of the book implies a sense of mystery and intrigue, which is a common element of mystery fiction.
- Fantasy — Edith Nesbit is known for writing fantasy stories, and this book may contain elements of fantasy.
- Romance — Romance is a common element in Edith Nesbit's works, and this book may contain elements of romance.
Tags
The Creation Of Narnia · afraid · corpse · dark · darkness · death · edward · edward's · eyes · figure · figures · frightened