In the Odour of Sanctity. Mortem Suscepit Cantan
The collection of short stories revolves around the theme of mortality and the human experience. The title story, Mortem Suscepit Cantando, explores the idea that death can be a beautiful and peaceful thing, while other tales delve into the complexities of life, love, and loss. Through his writing, Van Dyke examines the fragility of human existence and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Allegory · 4,569 words
First lines
Last of all, the crouching plague leaped upon the Count Angelo (whose women and boon companions already lay dead around him in his castle of Montefeltro), and dragged him from the banquet-hall of many delights into the dim alley of the grave. There he looked, as it were through a door half open, into the shapeless horror of the face of Death, which turns all desires into stone. But even while he looked, the teeth of the black beast that gripped him were loosened, and he crept back into life as one returning from a far country.
What this Textopian page supports
In the Odour of Sanctity. Mortem Suscepit Cantando (Half-Told Tales) is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Allegory, Mystical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 4,569 words
- Structure: 1 section, 71 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In the Odour of Sanctity. Mortem Suscepit Cantando (Half-Told Tales) by Henry Van Dyke
- 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 In the Odour of Sanctity. Mortem Suscepit Cantando (Half-Told Tales)?
- How does this short story by Henry Van Dyke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Death Of Wandering Peter by Hilaire Belloc
- The Lost Word by Henry Van Dyke
- Stronghold Half Told Tales by Henry Van Dyke
- Satan Mekatrig by Israel Zangwill
- Humoreske by Henry Van Dyke
- Easter Road The Red Flower And Golden Stars by Henry Van Dyke
Genres
- Religious Fiction — The narrative centers on themes of repentance, sanctity, and spiritual transformation, with a focus on religious devotion and the pursuit of a holy death.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a historical context, the story references historical figures and places, such as St. Francis and the Friary, grounding it in a specific time and place.
- Allegory — The story uses symbolic characters and events to convey moral and spiritual lessons, particularly the journey from sin to redemption.
- Mystical Fiction — Incorporates mystical elements, such as visions and divine encounters, to explore the protagonist's spiritual journey.
Tags
Short Stories · American Literature · Christian Themes · Mystery · Fiction · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Morality Tales · Symbolism