The Cottage by Frank Belknap Long

Name: The Cottage
Author: Frank Belknap Long

The story revolves around a young man who inherits an old cottage from a distant relative. He moves into the cottage and discovers that it has a dark history of mysterious occurrences and supernatural events. As he explores the cottage, he uncovers clues that suggest it was once used for occult practices by its previous occupants. The protagonist becomes increasingly entangled in the cottage's dark past, experiencing strange visions and hearing disembodied voices. He begins to suspect that the cottage is haunted by malevolent spirits that are determined to claim his soul. As the story unfolds, the young man's grip on reality starts to slip, and he becomes convinced that the cottage is exerting a malign influence over him. In a desperate bid to escape the cottage's grasp, he attempts to uncover the truth behind its dark history and the source of its supernatural power. The narrative builds towards a climactic confrontation between the protagonist and the malevolent forces that have taken hold of the cottage. The story ultimately ends in a sense of foreboding and unease, leaving the reader with a lasting impression of the cottage's dark and sinister presence.

By Frank Belknap Long · First published 1931 · Genre: Psychological Horror, Science Fiction, Domestic Fiction · 5,905 words

First lines

To Will Durkin it seemed to be the realization of a long-cherished dream -- this return from town over a rutted dirt road, equipped and ready for a cruel duel with another man's offspring. He raised his left hand as he drove, staring at his bony knuckles, and then slashing at the empty air with a whiplash ferocity of purpose.

Perhaps there had been a hard core of cruelty in Durkin at birth. Perhaps he had knotted up his fists, and cried out in resentment on first seeing the sunlight, eager to hurt and punish.

What this Textopian page supports

The Cottage is listed on Textopian as a novel by Frank Belknap Long, dated 1931 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Frank Belknap Long
Date: 1931 CE
Language: English
Genres: Psychological Horror, Science Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Fantasy, Drama
Length: 5,905 words
Structure: 1 section, 146 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Cottage by Frank Belknap Long
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 Cottage?
How does this novel by Frank Belknap Long fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Psychological Horror first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Psychological Horror — The narrative explores the dark psychological aspects of the protagonist's character, revealing themes of cruelty, resentment, and the impact of childhood trauma.
Science Fiction — The story incorporates elements of atomic energy and alternate dimensions, particularly in the context of the atomic testing backdrop and the transformation of the cottage.
Domestic Fiction — The plot centers around family dynamics, particularly the strained relationships between the stepfather and his stepchildren, highlighting domestic tensions.
Fantasy — The ending introduces fantastical elements where the cottage and the characters interact in a surreal manner, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.