The Wraith of Patrick Kerr
This novel is a historical fiction account set in the late 19th century. It revolves around the life of Patrick Kerr, an Irishman who becomes embroiled in the Fenian Rising of 1867. The story explores themes of rebellion, loyalty, and redemption as Kerr navigates his involvement with the movement. The narrative delves into the complexities of Irish politics during this period, highlighting the tensions between those seeking independence from British rule and those advocating for reform within the existing system. Through Kerr's experiences, the novel sheds light on the human cost of revolution and the moral dilemmas faced by those who participate in it. Throughout the story, Kerr's relationships with his family and friends are also examined, revealing the personal costs of his involvement in the rebellion. The novel ultimately presents a nuanced portrayal of the Irish struggle for independence, one that acknowledges both the idealism and the brutality that characterized this period in history.
By John Lang · First published 1869 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror · 1,005 words
First lines
This is a tale they tell at the darkening, and you who are Rulewater folk probably know it well. But however well you may know it, you have to own that it is an eerie thing to listen to when the fire is dying down, and there are queer-shaped shadows playing on the walls, and outside in the wood the owls are beginning to hoot, or, from the far moor, there comes a curlew's cry.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wraith of Patrick Kerr is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Lang, dated 1869 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: 1869 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary Fiction, Folklore
- Length: 1,005 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Wraith of Patrick Kerr by John Lang
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Wraith of Patrick Kerr?
- How does this short story by John Lang fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The eerie atmosphere, supernatural elements, and themes of death and fear align closely with Gothic conventions.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, reflecting societal norms and events of the 18th century.
- Horror — The presence of a ghostly figure and the unsettling tone contribute to a horror classification.
- Literary Fiction — The focus on character development and thematic depth places it within literary fiction.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Mystery · Thriller · Crime · Scotland · 19th Century · Literary Fiction · Gothic · Supernatural · Ghost Story · Family Drama · Social Commentary