The Ghost of Percival Reed
The novel revolves around the life of a man who returns from the dead to exact revenge on those he perceives have wronged him. His presence disrupts the lives of his family and acquaintances, forcing them to confront their past actions and motivations. The story explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships.
By John Lang · First published 1861 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Ghost Story, Adventure · 2,239 words
First lines
When we look back on the past history of the Border, we might almost think that St. Andrew and St. George, who are supposed to keep watch and ward over North and South Britain, had overlooked that hilly stretch of country that lies between the Solway and the Tyne, leaving the heathen god Mars to work his turbulent will with it. From the days of the Roman Wall it was always a tourney-ground, and in the long years when English and Scots warred against each other, scarcely one day in any year went past without the spilling of blood on one or other of its hills or moors. Not only did the Borderers fight against those of other nations. Constantly they fought amongst themselves. A quick-tempered, revengeful lot were the men of those Border clans. On the Northumberland side the quarrels were as frequent as they were amongst those hot-headed Scots -- Kers and Scotts, Elliots and Turnbulls and Croziers.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ghost of Percival Reed is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Lang, dated 1861 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: John Lang
- Date: 1861 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Ghost Story, Adventure, Tragedy, Folklore
- Length: 2,239 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Ghost of Percival Reed by John Lang
- 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 Ghost of Percival Reed?
- How does this short story by John Lang fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, focusing on the conflicts between English and Scottish clans, particularly during the sixteenth century.
- Ghost Story — The plot centers around the ghost of Percival Reed, exploring themes of betrayal, justice, and the supernatural.
- Adventure — The story involves elements of conflict, raids, and the adventurous lives of the Border clans.
- Tragedy — The tale reflects themes of betrayal and the tragic fate of the protagonist, leading to a lasting family feud.
Tags
Mystery · Thriller · Supernatural · Gothic Fiction · Literary Fiction · Psychological Thriller · Family Drama · Coming of Age · Small Town Secrets · Dark Past · Trauma · Memory Loss