Sub Rosa by Gelett Burgess (1904)
"Sub Rosa" is a collection of short stories by Gelett Burgess that explore the darker side of human nature. The title refers to secrets and hidden desires, which are central themes in many of the tales. Some of the stories feature characters who are driven by their passions or obsessions, while others delve into the psychological underpinnings of human behavior. Overall, "Sub Rosa" is a thought-provoking collection that challenges readers to consider the complexities of the human psyche.
By Gelett Burgess · First published 1904 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Satire, Philosophical Fiction · 1,392 words
First lines
Perhaps I am as discreet, honourable and loyal as the ordinary man, but I confess that at times I have a frantic desire to escape to the moon and tell all I know, or to unburden myself of the weight of dynamic confidences, pouring my revelations into the ears of some responsive idiot. In the old days a corpse was fastened to the felon's back in punishment of certain crimes, and to me a secret seems almost as deadly a load. The temptation to vivify the tale and make it walk abroad on its own legs is hard to deny.
What this Textopian page supports
Sub Rosa is listed on Textopian as a short story by Gelett Burgess, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Gelett Burgess
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Psychological Fiction, Satire, Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 1,392 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sub Rosa by Gelett Burgess
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Sub Rosa?
- How does this short story by Gelett Burgess fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Psychological Fiction first become important in the reading?
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- How I Found The Superman by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Psychological Fiction — Explores the complexities of human psychology, particularly the burden and temptation of keeping secrets.
- Satire — Uses humor and irony to critique societal norms and human behavior regarding confidentiality and trust.
- Philosophical Fiction — Engages with philosophical questions about morality, trust, and the nature of secrets.
- Literary Fiction — Focuses on character development and thematic depth, emphasizing the intricacies of personal relationships.
Tags
mystery · romance · adventure · historical · literary · poetry · satire · whimsy · intrigue · secrets · identity · society