The Flowering of the Strange Orchid
This novella explores themes of colonialism and the clash between Western science and Eastern mysticism. A British collector travels to a remote region in search of rare orchids, encountering a local woman who possesses knowledge about the plants' unique properties. As he becomes increasingly obsessed with acquiring one particular species, he begins to question his own values and the true nature of scientific discovery.
By H.G. Wells · First published 1894 · Genre: Science Fiction, Horror, Adventure · 3,571 words
First lines
The buying of orchids always has in it a certain speculative flavour. You have before you the brown shrivelled lump of tissue, and for the rest you must trust your judgment, or the auctioneer, or your good-luck, as your taste may incline. The plant may be moribund or dead, or it may be just a respectable purchase, fair value for your money, or perhaps -- for the thing has happened again and again -- there slowly unfolds before the delighted eyes of the happy purchaser, day after day, some new variety, some novel richness, a strange twist of the labellum, or some subtler colouration or unexpected mimicry. Pride, beauty, and profit blossom together on one delicate green spike, and, it may be, even immortality. For the new miracle of Nature may stand in need of a new specific name, and what so convenient as that of its discoverer? "Johnsmithia"! There have been worse names.
What this Textopian page supports
The Flowering of the Strange Orchid is listed on Textopian as a short story by H.G. Wells, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Horror, Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery
- Length: 3,571 words
- Structure: 1 section, 74 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Flowering of the Strange Orchid by H.G. Wells
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The story involves speculative elements, such as a fictional orchid with predatory characteristics, which aligns with science fiction themes.
- Horror — The narrative includes elements of horror, such as the orchid attacking the protagonist, creating a sense of fear and suspense.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around the protagonist's quest for rare orchids, which involves exploration and discovery, typical of adventure stories.
- Fantasy — The existence of a fantastical orchid with life-threatening abilities introduces a fantasy element to the story.
Tags
Science Fiction · Adventure · Fantasy · Romance · Mystery · Insectoid Alien · Evolutionary Themes · Colonialism · Imperialism · 19th Century Setting · British Empire · Exotic Locations