The Dead Smile by F. Marion Crawford

Name: The Dead Smile
Author: F. Marion Crawford

The story revolves around a mysterious and eerie smile that appears on the face of a deceased person, which is believed to be a sign of evil or demonic presence. The novel explores themes of supernatural horror, mystery, and suspense as it delves into the lives of those affected by the dead smile.

By F. Marion Crawford · First published 1899 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Psychological Thriller · 4 chapters · 9,998 words

First lines

Sir Hugh Ockram smiled as he sat by the open window of his study, in the late August afternoon; and just then a curiously yellow cloud obscured the low sun, and the clear summer light turned lurid, as if it had been suddenly poisoned and polluted by the foul vapours of a plague. Sir Hugh's face seemed, at best, to be made of fine parchment drawn skin-tight over a wooden mask, in which two eyes were sunk out of sight, and peered from far within through crevices under the slanting, wrinkled lids, alive and watchful like two toads in their holes, side by side and exactly alike. But as the light changed, then a little yellow glare flashed in each. Nurse Macdonald said once that when Sir Hugh smiled he saw the faces of two women in hell -- two dead women he had betrayed.

What this Textopian page supports

The Dead Smile is listed on Textopian as a novella by F. Marion Crawford, dated 1899 CE.

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

Work type: Novella
Author: F. Marion Crawford
Date: 1899 CE
Language: English
Genres: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Psychological Thriller, Romance, Mystery
Length: 9,998 words
Structure: 4 chapters, 167 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Dead Smile by F. Marion Crawford
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Dead Smile?
How does this novella by F. Marion Crawford fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Gothic Fiction — The story features dark themes, supernatural elements, and a haunting atmosphere typical of Gothic literature.
Horror — The narrative includes elements of fear, death, and the macabre, particularly surrounding the character of Sir Hugh and the implications of his secrets.
Psychological Thriller — The tension between characters and the exploration of their inner fears and motivations create a psychological depth that drives the plot.
Romance — The relationship between Gabriel and Evelyn is central to the plot, highlighting themes of love intertwined with fear and foreboding.