A Moonlight Fable by H.G. Wells
The story revolves around a young man who becomes infatuated with a woman he meets at a ball. He begins to obsess over her, and his fixation grows stronger with each passing day. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that the woman is not what she seems. She is revealed to be a mysterious figure with supernatural powers, and the young man's obsession ultimately leads to tragic consequences. The tale explores themes of love, obsession, and the dangers of unchecked desire. It also touches on the idea that some people are beyond human understanding, and that our attempts to grasp them can lead to devastating outcomes.
By H.G. Wells · First published 1902 · Genre: Fantasy, Allegory, Literary Fiction · 1,935 words
First lines
There was once a little man whose mother made him a beautiful suit of clothes. It was green and gold and woven so that I cannot describe how delicate and fine it was, and there was a tie of orange fluffiness that tied up under his chin. And the buttons in their newness shone like stars. He was proud and pleased by his suit beyond measure, and stood before the long looking-glass when first he put it on, so astonished and delighted with it that he could hardly turn himself away.
What this Textopian page supports
A Moonlight Fable is listed on Textopian as a short story by H.G. Wells, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: H.G. Wells
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Allegory, Literary Fiction, Tragedy, Symbolism
- Length: 1,935 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Moonlight Fable by H.G. Wells
- 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 A Moonlight Fable?
- How does this short story by H.G. Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Materialisation Of Charles And Mivanway by K. Jerome
- The Food Of Death by Lord Dunsany
- The Wonderful Visit by H. G. Wells
- The Purple Pileus by H. G. Wells
- The Capture Of Father Time by L. Frank Baum
- Boon by H. G. Wells
Genres
- Fantasy — The story features a dreamlike and surreal atmosphere, with elements such as the moonlit garden and the magical experience of wearing the suit, which are characteristic of fantasy.
- Allegory — The narrative serves as an allegory for themes such as the pursuit of happiness, the constraints of societal expectations, and the fleeting nature of life.
- Literary Fiction — The story is rich in descriptive language and explores complex themes, focusing on the internal experiences and emotions of the protagonist.
- Tragedy — The story concludes with the protagonist's death, highlighting the tragic consequences of his pursuit of freedom and happiness.
Tags
Science Fiction · Fantasy · Adventure · Romance · Mystery · Supernatural · Time Travel · Alternate Reality · Futurism · Speculative Fiction · Philosophical · Psychological