The Haunted House
The Haunted House is a novel by George MacDonald that tells the story of two friends who decide to spend a night in an abandoned house rumored to be haunted. During their stay, they encounter various supernatural phenomena and must use their wits to survive until morning. The book explores themes of fear, friendship, and the power of imagination.
By George MacDonald · First published 1847 · Genre: Gothic, Horror, Poetry · 2,154 words
First lines
Suggested by a drawing of Thomas Moran, the American painter.
This must be the very night!
What this Textopian page supports
The Haunted House is listed on Textopian as a novel by George MacDonald, dated 1847 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1847 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic, Horror, Poetry, Fantasy, Psychological
- Length: 2,154 words
- Structure: 1 section, 64 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Haunted House by George MacDonald
- 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 Haunted House?
- How does this novel by George MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Halloween by George Macdonald
- The Haunted Organist Of Hurly Burly by Rosa Mulholland
- The Hills by George Macdonald
- Bobs Hiding Place by Frank R. Stockton
- The Wondersmith by Fitz James Obrien
- The Dwellers Therein by George Macdonald
Genres
- Gothic — The text features a haunted house, spectral elements, and a pervasive atmosphere of dread and mystery, all hallmarks of Gothic literature.
- Horror — The narrative includes themes of fear, the supernatural, and a sense of impending doom, which are central to horror.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, with a focus on rhythm, imagery, and emotional expression, characteristic of poetry.
- Fantasy — The presence of supernatural elements and a ghostly narrative aligns with the fantasy genre.
Tags
ghosts · supernatural · mystery · adventure · fantasy · Victorian · haunting · imagination · family · friendship · courage · exploration