The Cellar by John Gould Fletcher
The novel revolves around a family's dark past and the secrets that lie within their ancestral home. The story centers on a young woman who returns to her family's estate after a long absence, only to uncover disturbing truths about her family's history. As she delves deeper into the mysteries of the cellar, she uncovers a web of deceit and tragedy that has haunted her family for generations.
By John Gould Fletcher · First published 1925 · Genre: Poetry, Gothic, Literary Fiction · 85 words
First lines
Faintly lit by a high-barred grating, The low-hung cellar, Flattens itself under the house.
In one corner There is a little door, So low, it can scarcely be seen.
Beyond, There is a narrow room, One must feel for the walls in the dark.
One shrinks to go To the end of it, Feeling the smooth cold wall.
What this Textopian page supports
The Cellar is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Gould Fletcher, dated 1925 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Gould Fletcher
- Date: 1925 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Gothic, Literary Fiction, Symbolism, Surrealism
- Length: 85 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Cellar by John Gould Fletcher
- 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 The Cellar?
- How does this poem by John Gould Fletcher fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work employs a lyrical style, focusing on imagery and emotional resonance typical of poetry.
- Gothic — The themes of darkness, confinement, and mystery align with Gothic elements.
- Literary Fiction — The exploration of existential themes and the human experience reflects characteristics of literary fiction.
- Symbolism — The cellar serves as a symbol for deeper psychological or emotional states.
Tags
Psychological Thriller · Horror · Suspense · Mystery · Dark Fiction · Atmospheric Setting · Isolated Location · Gothic Elements · Paranoid Protagonist · Unreliable Narrator · Family Secrets · Trauma