Darkness by Irvin S. Cobb (1916)
The story revolves around a group of people who are trapped in an underground cave system during a severe storm. As the storm intensifies and the water level rises, they realize that their only hope for survival lies in finding a way out before it's too late. As the situation becomes increasingly desperate, tensions rise among the group members, leading to conflicts and power struggles. The protagonist, a young woman, must navigate these challenges while also confronting her own personal demons. Throughout the story, the author explores themes of survival, human nature, and the psychological effects of isolation on individuals.
By Irvin S. Cobb · First published 1916 · Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller · 15,857 words
First lines
There was a house in this town where always by night lights burned. In one of its rooms many lights burned; in each of the other rooms at least one light. It stood on Clay Street, on a treeless plot among flower beds, a small dull-looking house; and when late on dark nights all the other houses on Clay Street were solid blockings lifting from the lesser blackness of their background, the lights in this house patterned its windows with squares of brilliancy so that it suggested a grid set on edge before hot flames. Once a newcomer to the town, a transient guest at Mrs. Otterbuck's boarding house, spoke about it to old Squire Jonas, who lived next door to where the lights blazed of nights, and the answer he got makes a fitting enough beginning for this account.
What this Textopian page supports
Darkness is listed on Textopian as a short story by Irvin S. Cobb, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Irvin S. Cobb
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Gothic Fiction
- Length: 15,857 words
- Structure: 1 section, 83 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Darkness by Irvin S. Cobb
- 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 Darkness?
- How does this short story by Irvin S. Cobb fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- In The Court Of The Dragon by Robert W. Chambers
- Spalatro by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
- The Dark Forest by Hugh Walpole
- The Evil Clergyman by H. P. Lovecraft
- The Dance Of Death 1838 by Gustave Flaubert
- The Haunted Mind by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Genres
- Horror — The book primarily explores themes of fear and the supernatural, creating a chilling atmosphere.
- Mystery — The narrative involves unraveling unknown elements and secrets, contributing to a suspenseful plot.
- Thriller — The story maintains a high level of tension and excitement, keeping readers on edge.
- Psychological Fiction — The book delves into the psychological states of characters, exploring their fears and motivations.
Tags
Horror · Supernatural · Fiction · Short Stories · Anthology · Dark Fantasy · Gothic Fiction · Mystery · Thriller · Suspense · Paranormal · Occult