The Old House by Fyodor Sologub

Name: The Old House
Author: Fyodor Sologub

The novel revolves around the life of a young woman who returns to her family's old house after a long absence. The house has a dark and oppressive atmosphere that seems to exert a malevolent influence on its inhabitants. As she settles back into her old routine, she begins to experience strange and terrifying events that suggest the house is haunted by supernatural forces. However, it soon becomes clear that these events are not just random occurrences, but are instead connected to a deeper psychological struggle within herself. The novel explores themes of madness, isolation, and the blurring of reality and fantasy. The protagonist's grip on reality begins to slip as she becomes increasingly entangled in her own delusions, making it difficult for the reader to distinguish between what is real and what is imagined. Throughout the novel, the old house serves as a symbol of the protagonist's inner turmoil, representing both the comfort and security of her past life, as well as the oppressive forces that seek to consume her.

By Fyodor Sologub · First published 1908 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Literary Fiction · 54 chapters · 22,024 words

First lines

It was an old, large, one-storied house, with a mezzanine. It stood in a village, eleven versts from a railway station, and about fifty versts from the district town. The garden which surrounded the house seemed lost in drowsiness, while beyond it stretched vistas and vistas of inexpressibly dull, infinitely depressing fields.

Once this house had been painted lavender, but now it was faded. Its roof, once red, had turned dark brown. But the pillars of the terrace were still quite strong, the little arbours in the garden were intact, and there was an Aphrodite in the shrubbery.

What this Textopian page supports

The Old House is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fyodor Sologub, dated 1908 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Fyodor Sologub
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Psychological Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Literary Fiction, Symbolism, Fantasy
Length: 22,024 words
Structure: 54 chapters, 625 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves deeply into the characters' inner thoughts and emotions, exploring themes of madness and existential dread.
Gothic Fiction — The setting and atmosphere evoke a sense of decay and mystery, typical of Gothic literature.
Literary Fiction — The work emphasizes character development and thematic depth over plot-driven storytelling.
Symbolism — The use of symbols and metaphors is prevalent, enhancing the thematic complexity of the narrative.