The Plattner Story by H.G. Wells
The story revolves around a man who undergoes a mysterious transformation that alters his physical and mental state. He becomes aware of the world through a series of fragmented experiences, struggling to piece together his identity and surroundings. The narrative explores themes of disorientation, confusion, and the blurring of reality and fantasy.
By H.G. Wells · First published 1896 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror · 8,861 words
First lines
Whether the story of Gottfried Plattner is to be credited or not, is a pretty question in the value of evidence. On the one hand, we have seven witnesses -- to be perfectly exact, we have six and a half pairs of eyes, and one undeniable fact; and on the other we have -- what is it? -- prejudice, common sense, the inertia of opinion. Never were there seven more honest-seeming witnesses; never was there a more undeniable fact than the inversion of Gottfried Plattner's anatomical structure, and -- never was there a more preposterous story than the one they have to tell! The most preposterous part of the story is the worthy Gottfried's contribution (for I count him as one of the seven). Heaven forbid that I should be led into giving countenance to superstition by a passion for impartiality, and so come to share the fate of Eusapia's patrons!
What this Textopian page supports
The Plattner Story is listed on Textopian as a short story by H.G. Wells, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Speculative Fiction
- Length: 8,861 words
- Structure: 1 section, 67 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Plattner Story by H.G. Wells
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The story involves elements of the fourth dimension and otherworldly experiences, which are central to science fiction.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes fantastical elements such as the inversion of a man's body and encounters with supernatural entities.
- Horror — The presence of eerie, disembodied heads and the unsettling atmosphere contribute to a horror genre classification.
- Mystery — The unexplained disappearance and return of the protagonist create a central mystery that drives the plot.
Tags
Science Fiction · Philosophical · Psychological · German Setting · 19th Century · Realism · Social Commentary · Critique of Nationalism · Identity Crisis · Memory Loss · Disorientation · Existentialism