Ex Oblivione by H.P. Lovecraft
The story revolves around a protagonist who seeks to escape the mundane world and find meaning through knowledge of the universe's true nature. He discovers an ancient tome that holds secrets about the cosmos and the existence of other dimensions. As he delves deeper into the book, he becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the mysteries it contains. Through his research, he learns about the concept of Ex Oblivione, a realm where one can transcend the limitations of mortal life and gain access to forbidden knowledge. The protagonist becomes convinced that this is the key to ultimate understanding and sets out to find a way to enter this realm. However, as he progresses in his quest, he realizes that the pursuit of such knowledge comes at a terrible cost. He must confront the darkness within himself and the abyssal void that lies beyond the veil of reality. The story builds towards a climactic confrontation with the horrors that lurk beyond the boundaries of human comprehension. Ultimately, the protagonist's obsession with Ex Oblivione leads to his downfall, as he is consumed by the very forces he sought to understand. The narrative concludes with a sense of existential despair and the realization that some secrets are better left unexplored.
By H.P. Lovecraft · First published 1927 · Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Philosophical Fiction · 759 words
First lines
When the last days were upon me, and the ugly trifles of existence began to drive me to madness like the small drops of water that torturers let fall ceaselessly upon one spot of their victim's body, I loved the irradiate refuge of sleep. In my dreams I found a little of the beauty I had vainly sought in life, and wandered through old gardens and enchanted woods.
Once when the wind was soft and scented I heard the south calling, and sailed endlessly and languorously under strange stars.
What this Textopian page supports
Ex Oblivione is listed on Textopian as a short story by H.P. Lovecraft, dated 1927 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.P. Lovecraft
- Date: 1927 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Philosophical Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Weird Fiction
- Length: 759 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ex Oblivione by H.P. Lovecraft
- 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 Ex Oblivione?
- How does this short story by H.P. Lovecraft fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative explores dreamlike realms and fantastical landscapes, emphasizing the allure of an otherworldly experience.
- Horror — Themes of existential dread and the unknown contribute to a sense of horror, particularly in the protagonist's ultimate fate.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text delves into profound themes of existence, reality, and the nature of dreams versus waking life.
- Gothic Fiction — The atmospheric descriptions and motifs of decay and ancient structures align with gothic elements.
Tags
Cthulhu Mythos · Horror · Fantasy · Supernatural Fiction · Short Story · Occultism · Mythology · Ancient Deities · Cosmic Horror · Existential Crisis · Sanity Blurring · Psychological Descent