A Night-Piece by James Matthew Barrie

Name: A Night-Piece
Author: James Matthew Barrie

The poem explores the idea of a person's inner world and their relationship with nature. It describes a night scene where the speaker is alone, surrounded by darkness and silence. The poem touches on themes of solitude, introspection, and the human experience.

By James Matthew Barrie · First published 1895 · Genre: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Ghost Story · 2,359 words

First lines

There came a night when the husband was alone in that street waiting. He can do nothing for you now, little nursery governess, you must fight it out by yourself; when there are great things to do in the house the man must leave. Oh, man, selfish, indelicate, coarse-grained at the best, thy woman's hour has come; get thee gone.

He slouches from the house, always her true lover I do believe, chivalrous, brave, a boy until to-night; but was he ever unkind to her? It is the unpardonable sin now; is there the memory of an unkindness to stalk the street with him to-night? And if not an unkindness, still might he not sometimes have been a little kinder?

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What this Textopian page supports

A Night-Piece is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Matthew Barrie, dated 1895 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: James Matthew Barrie
Date: 1895 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Ghost Story, Romance, Philosophical Fiction
Length: 2,359 words
Structure: 1 section, 34 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Drama — The narrative focuses on emotional and interpersonal conflicts, exploring themes of love, regret, and the human condition.
Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters, particularly the husband's reflections on his relationship and personal growth.
Ghost Story — The text includes elements of the supernatural, with references to ghosts and the afterlife, adding a haunting atmosphere.
Romance — The plot involves romantic elements, focusing on the relationship between the husband and his wife, and the impact of love and loss.