Myrtle by Émile Erckmann (1854)
The story revolves around a mysterious and ancient forest where supernatural events occur. A group of people, including a doctor, a priest, and some villagers, gather to investigate these happenings. They soon discover that the forest is inhabited by supernatural beings with magical powers. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a dark secret related to an old tragedy that has haunted the village for generations.
By Émile Erckmann · First published 1854 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Realism · 4,844 words
First lines
Just at the end of the village of Dosenheim, in Alsace, about fifty yards from the gravelly road that leads into the wood, is a pretty cottage surrounded with an orchard, the flat roof loaded with boulder-stones, the gable-end looking down the valley.
What this Textopian page supports
Myrtle is listed on Textopian as a short story by Émile Erckmann, dated 1854 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Émile Erckmann
- Date: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Realism, Historical Fiction, Romance
- Length: 4,844 words
- Structure: 1 section, 96 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Myrtle by Émile Erckmann
- 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 Myrtle?
- How does this short story by Émile Erckmann fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores deep themes of identity, belonging, and the contrast between settled life and a nomadic existence, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist, Myrtle, undergoes significant personal growth and self-discovery throughout the narrative.
- Realism — The story presents a realistic portrayal of rural life in Alsace, focusing on everyday experiences and social dynamics.
- Historical Fiction — Set in the early 19th century, the book reflects the historical context of post-Napoleonic France and its societal norms.
Tags
Gothic · Romance · Mystery · Supernatural · Family Secrets · Dark Fantasy · Victorian Era · Wealthy Elite · Social Class · Forbidden Love · Tragic Events · Haunted Mansion