The Lifted Veil by George Eliot
The Lifted Veil is a novella by George Eliot that explores the themes of clairvoyance and fate. The story follows Latimer, who has the ability to see into the future and the thoughts of others. As he navigates his life, he struggles with the burden of this gift and its impact on his relationships.
By George Eliot · First published 1859 · Genre: Gothic, Psychological Fiction, Science Fiction · 24,089 words
First lines
The time of my end approaches. I have lately been subject to attacks of _angina pectoris_; and in the ordinary course of things, my physician tells me, I may fairly hope that my life will not be protracted many months. Unless, then, I am cursed with an exceptional physical constitution, as I am cursed with an exceptional mental character, I shall not much longer groan under the wearisome burthen of this earthly existence. If it were to be otherwise -- if I were to live on to the age most men desire and provide for -- I should for once have known whether the miseries of delusive expectation can outweigh the miseries of true prevision. For I foresee when I shall die, and everything that will happen in my last moments.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lifted Veil is listed on Textopian as a novella by George Eliot, dated 1859 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: George Eliot
- Date: 1859 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic, Psychological Fiction, Science Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Horror
- Length: 24,089 words
- Structure: 1 section, 130 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Lifted Veil by George Eliot
- 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 Lifted Veil?
- How does this novella by George Eliot fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Gentle Creature by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- The Monster by Edgar Saltus
- A Novel In Nine Letters by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- The Monster by Stephen Crane
- The Dweller On The Threshold by Robert Hichens
- The Angel Of Pain by E. F. Benson
Genres
- Gothic — The narrative includes elements of the supernatural, mystery, and a dark, foreboding atmosphere.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves deeply into the protagonist's mind, exploring themes of perception, consciousness, and mental states.
- Science Fiction — The plot incorporates speculative elements, such as clairvoyance and premonition, which align with early science fiction themes.
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative raises questions about fate, free will, and the nature of human experience.
Tags
psychological · gothic · Victorian · supernatural · fate · free will · love · despair · isolation · introspection · moral ambiguity · society