Marie by H. Rider Haggard (1885)

Name: Marie
Author: H. Rider Haggard

The novel tells the story of a young woman who lives with her father on a remote estate in England. She is beautiful and intelligent but also naive and sheltered. Her life changes when she meets a man who claims to be a prince from Africa, and she becomes embroiled in a complex web of love, politics, and adventure. The story follows Marie's journey as she navigates her feelings for the prince and confronts the harsh realities of the world beyond her estate. Along the way, she must also contend with the societal norms and expectations placed upon her as a woman. Throughout the novel, themes of identity, morality, and social class are explored in depth. The narrative is driven by Marie's growth and development as a character, as well as the consequences of her actions. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of African culture and landscapes, which were groundbreaking at the time of its publication.

By H. Rider Haggard · First published 1885 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance · 21 chapters · 121,572 words

First lines

Although in my old age I, Allan Quatermain, have taken to writing-after a fashion-never yet have I set down a single word of the tale of my first love and of the adventures that are grouped around her beautiful and tragic history. I suppose this is because it has always seemed to me too holy and far-off a matter-as holy and far-off as is that heaven which holds the splendid spirit of Marie Marais. But now, in my age, that which was far-off draws near again; and at night, in the depths between the stars, sometimes I seem to see the opening doors through which I must pass, and leaning earthwards across their threshold, with outstretched arms and dark and dewy eyes, a shadow long forgotten by all save me-the shadow of Marie Marais.

What this Textopian page supports

Marie is listed on Textopian as a novel by H. Rider Haggard, dated 1885 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: H. Rider Haggard
Date: 1885 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance, Colonial Literature, Drama
Length: 121,572 words
Structure: 21 chapters, 1,918 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The narrative is driven by exploration and thrilling experiences in exotic settings.
Historical Fiction — The story is set against a backdrop of historical events and incorporates real historical figures and settings.
Romance — Central to the plot is a romantic relationship that influences the characters' actions and decisions.
Colonial Literature — Themes of colonialism and interactions between European settlers and indigenous peoples are prevalent.