The Moth by H.G. Wells (1895)
The story revolves around a group of people who are transported back to the time of the dinosaurs through a mysterious phenomenon known as the "Moth." They find themselves in a world where they must adapt and survive among the prehistoric creatures. The novel explores themes of evolution, adaptation, and the struggle for existence.
By H.G. Wells · First published 1895 · Genre: Horror, Psychological Fiction, Science Fiction · 4,639 words
First lines
Probably you have heard of Hapley -- not W. T. Hapley, the son, but the celebrated Hapley, the Hapley of _Periplaneta Hapliia_, Hapley the entomologist.
If so you know at least of the great feud between Hapley and Professor Pawkins, though certain of its consequences may be new to you. For those who have not, a word or two of explanation is necessary, which the idle reader may go over with a glancing eye, if his indolence so incline him.
What this Textopian page supports
The Moth is listed on Textopian as a short story by H.G. Wells, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Psychological Fiction, Science Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Satire
- Length: 4,639 words
- Structure: 1 section, 59 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Moth 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
- 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 Moth?
- How does this short story by H.G. Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- In The Avu Observatory by H. G. Wells
- The Cone by H. G. Wells
- Men Into Space by Murray Leinster
- Mellonta Tauta by Edgar Allan Poe
- The Purple Pileus by H. G. Wells
- Anchorite by Randall Garrett
Genres
- Horror — The story involves psychological terror and the protagonist's descent into madness, haunted by a moth that symbolizes his guilt and obsession.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative focuses on the mental state of the protagonist, exploring themes of obsession, rivalry, and hallucination.
- Science Fiction — The story incorporates elements of scientific rivalry and entomology, with a speculative twist involving a mysterious moth.
- Gothic Fiction — The tale includes elements of the supernatural and the macabre, with a focus on the protagonist's inner turmoil and the eerie presence of the moth.
Tags
Science Fiction · Dystopian · Social Commentary · Psychological Thriller · Speculative Fiction · Future Studies · Utopian · Anti-Utopian · Satire · Philosophical · Existential · Human Condition