The Old Dining-Room by H.C. McNeile
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his family's estate after being away for several years. He finds that the old dining-room has been locked and untouched since his departure. The room holds memories of his childhood, and he feels a strong connection to it. As he explores the room, he discovers a series of letters written by his father, detailing his own experiences as a young man. The letters reveal a complex and troubled relationship between the father and son, with the father struggling to come to terms with his own past. The story is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, identity, and the power of memories to shape our understanding of ourselves and others.
By H.C. McNeile · First published 1928 · Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller · 6,840 words
First lines
I
I DON'T pretend to account for it; I am merely giving the plain unvarnished tale of what took place to my certain knowledge at Jack Drage's house in Kent during the week-end which finished so disastrously. Doubtless there is an explanation: maybe there are several. The believers in spiritualism and things psychic will probably say that the tragedy was due to the action of a powerful influence which had remained intact throughout the centuries; the materialists will probably say it was due to indigestion. I hold no brief for either side: as the mere narrator, the facts are good enough for me. And, anyway, the extremists of both schools of thought are quite irreconcilable.
What this Textopian page supports
The Old Dining-Room is listed on Textopian as a novel by H.C. McNeile, dated 1928 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: H.C. McNeile
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 6,840 words
- Structure: 1 section, 121 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Old Dining-Room by H.C. McNeile
- 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 Old Dining-Room?
- How does this novel by H.C. McNeile fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Bus Conductor by E. F. Benson
- The Golden Drugget 1918 by Max Beerbohm
- Whose Body by Anonymous
- The Cat by E. F. Benson
- Caterpillars by E. F. Benson
- A Clergyman 1918 by Max Beerbohm
Genres
- Horror — The story involves supernatural elements, eerie atmospheres, and a sense of dread, particularly with the haunted dining-room and the tragic events that unfold.
- Mystery — The narrative revolves around unexplained occurrences and a historical mystery involving the past events in the dining-room.
- Thriller — The tension and suspense build throughout the story, especially with the sleepwalking incident and the climactic ending.
- Historical Fiction — The plot is deeply connected to historical events and figures, such as Sir James Wrothley and the religious conflicts of the Tudor period.
Tags
Short Story · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Satire · English Literature · Early 20th Century · Novella · Comedy of Manners · Upper Class · Society · Critique of Privilege