The Tarn by Hugh Walpole (1919)

The novel follows the story of a young man, John Mallow, who is sent to stay with his uncle, Sir Robert Mallow, at his estate in the English countryside. John is immediately taken with the beauty of the estate, and the mysterious tarn that lies at its center. John soon discovers that the tarn is home to a strange and powerful creature, a creature that has been living in the tarn for centuries. As John learns more about the creature, he discovers that it is connected to a dark and ancient secret that has been kept hidden for generations. John must confront the creature and the secrets it holds in order to save his family and the estate. Along the way, he discovers the power of friendship, loyalty, and courage, and learns that the truth can sometimes be more powerful than fear.

By Hugh Walpole · First published 1919 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Mystery, Romance · 8 chapters · 4,827 words

First lines

As Foster moved unconsciously across the room, bent towards the bookcase, and stood leaning forward a little, choosing now one book, now another, with his eyes, his host, seeing the muscles of the back of his thin, scraggy neck stand out above his low flannel collar, thought of the ease with which he could squeeze that throat, and the pleasure, the triumphant, lustful pleasure, that such an action would give him.

What this Textopian page supports

The Tarn is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hugh Walpole, dated 1919 CE.

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

• Work type: Short story
• Author: Hugh Walpole
• Date: 1919 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Gothic Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Historical Fiction
• Length: 4,827 words
• Structure: 8 chapters, 112 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Tarn by Hugh Walpole
• 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 Tarn?
• How does this short story by Hugh Walpole fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?

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Genres

• Gothic Fiction — The Tarn is a classic example of Gothic fiction, with its dark and mysterious setting, supernatural elements, and themes of horror and suspense.
• Mystery — The Tarn features a mysterious and suspenseful plot, with a focus on solving a crime and uncovering secrets.
• Romance — The Tarn includes a romantic subplot between two of the main characters, adding an element of romance to the story.
• Historical Fiction — The Tarn is set in the early 20th century, and includes historical elements and references to the time period.

Tags

drama · mystery · psychological · gothic · family · secrets · isolation · nature · conflict · identity · relationships · tragedy

Contents

• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 3
• Chapter 4
• Chapter 5
• Chapter 6
• Chapter 7
• Chapter 8

More by Hugh Walpole

• Major Wilbraham (1919)
• Jeremy (1919)
• Above the Dark Tumult: An Adventure (1931)
• The Inquisitor (1935)
• The Cathedral (1931)
• The Dark Forest (1923)
• The Secret City (1919)
• All works by Hugh Walpole