The Tent of the Purple Mat

Name: The Tent of the Purple Mat
Author: Gilbert Parker

The Tent of the Purple Mat is a novel by Gilbert Parker that tells the story of a young man named John Hampden who travels to India in search of adventure and fortune. Along the way, he becomes involved with a group of rebels known as the Thugs, who worship the goddess Kali and practice ritualistic murder. As John delves deeper into their world, he begins to question his own morality and the true nature of good and evil. The novel explores themes of colonialism, religion, and the human psyche in a complex and thought-provoking way.

By Gilbert Parker · First published 1908 · Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure · 3,238 words

First lines

The Tent stands on the Mount of Lost Winters, in that bit of hospitable land called the Fair Valley, which is like no other in the North. Whence comes the soft wind that comforts it, who can tell? It swims through the great gap in the mountains, and passing down the valley, sinks upon the prairie of the Ten Stars, where it is lost. What man first placed the Tent on the Mount none knows, though legends are many. It has a clear outlook to the north, whence comes the gracious wind, and it is sheltered at the south by a stout wall of commendable trees; yet these are at some small distance, so that the Tent has a space all about it, and the figure of the general land is as that of an amphitheatre.

What this Textopian page supports

The Tent of the Purple Mat is listed on Textopian as a novel by Gilbert Parker, 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: Gilbert Parker
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure, Mythology, Drama
Length: 3,238 words
Structure: 1 section, 33 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Tent of the Purple Mat by Gilbert Parker
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 Tent of the Purple Mat?
How does this novel by Gilbert Parker fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The narrative includes supernatural elements such as the Scarlet Hunter and the mystical Tent, which are central to the plot.
Romance — The story revolves around the love and sacrifice between Sherah and Ambroise, driving the main plot.
Adventure — The characters embark on a journey through a remote and mystical landscape, facing challenges and personal trials.
Mythology — The story incorporates mythological themes and symbols, such as the Tent of the Purple Mat and the concept of soul redemption.