The Psychical Researcher's Tale - the Sceptical
The story revolves around a sceptical investigator who is tasked with debunking paranormal claims. He encounters a poltergeist that seems to be genuinely supernatural, forcing him to reevaluate his stance on the matter. The narrative explores themes of rationality vs. the unknown and the consequences of challenging one's own beliefs.
By J.D. Beresford · First published 1926 · Genre: Supernatural, Horror, Mystery · 5,043 words
First lines
There was once a time (he began) when I decided that I was a fraud; that I could not be a psychical researcher any longer. I determined to give it all up, to investigate no more phenomena nor attend another seance, nor read a word about psychical research for the remainder of my life. On the contrary, I planned an intensive study of the works of the later Victorians, of that blissful period in the history of Europe when we could believe in the comforting doctrine of materialism. "Oh! " I thought, "that one had a Haeckel or a Huxley living now to console us with their beautiful faith in the mortality of the soul! " The Neo-Darwinians failed to convince me; the works of H. G. Wells left me cold.
What this Textopian page supports
The Psychical Researcher's Tale - the Sceptical Poltergeist is listed on Textopian as a novel by J.D. Beresford, dated 1926 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: J.D. Beresford
- Date: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Supernatural, Horror, Mystery, Philosophical, Humor
- Length: 5,043 words
- Structure: 1 section, 88 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Psychical Researcher's Tale - the Sceptical Poltergeist by J.D. Beresford
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Psychical Researcher's Tale - the Sceptical Poltergeist?
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- Where does Supernatural first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Supernatural — The plot revolves around poltergeist phenomena and interactions with a spirit, central to supernatural themes.
- Horror — The presence of a poltergeist and unsettling events create a sense of horror and suspense.
- Mystery — The investigation into unexplained phenomena and the nature of the spirit adds a mystery element.
- Philosophical — The narrative explores existential questions about life, death, and the afterlife.
Tags
Psychical Research · Paranormal Fiction · Scepticism · Poltergeist · Supernatural · Mystery · Thriller · Science Fiction · Philosophy of Science · Rationalism · Irrationality · Cognitive Dissonance