Madam Crowl's Ghost

Name: Madam Crowl's Ghost
Author: Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu

The narrative follows a young girl who arrives at a mysterious estate, Applewale House, to serve as a companion to the elderly and eccentric Dame Crowl. The girl, initially frightened and homesick, is introduced to the peculiarities of her new environment, including the strict and somewhat harsh demeanor of her aunt, the housekeeper, and the jolly but stingy maid, Mrs. Wyvern. As she settles in, the girl learns about the enigmatic Dame Crowl, who is rumored to be haunted and possibly malevolent. The old lady's past is shrouded in mystery, particularly concerning the disappearance of her stepson, a boy who vanished under suspicious circumstances. The girl hears unsettling tales about Dame Crowl, including whispers of her being possessed and having a dark history. One night, driven by curiosity, the girl peeks into Dame Crowl's chamber and is horrified to see the old woman in a grotesque state, dressed in finery but with a terrifying appearance. This encounter leaves her shaken, and she confides in Mrs. Wyvern, who reveals more about the old lady's past, including the tragic fate of the missing boy. As time passes, Dame Crowl's health declines, leading to erratic behavior and fits. The girl witnesses the old woman's disturbing episodes, which include frantic cries and strange movements. Eventually, Dame Crowl dies, and the girl is relieved, believing she will return home. However, her experiences at Applewale House are far from over. On the night before the arrival of Squire Chevenix Crowl, the old lady's grandson, the girl has a terrifying vision of Dame Crowl's ghost, which leads her to discover a hidden door in the house. This door, long forgotten, is believed to hold secrets related to the old lady's past and the fate of the missing boy. When Squire Crowl arrives, he is intrigued by the girl's account of her experiences and the hidden door. Together, they investigate the recess where the girl saw the ghost, leading to the discovery of a concealed space containing remnants of a child's clothing and belongings. This revelation suggests a dark truth about the old lady's involvement in the boy's disappearance. The story concludes with the girl leaving Applewale House, forever marked by her experiences. The narrative intertwines themes of fear, mystery, and the supernatural, exploring the consequences of hidden secrets and the haunting legacy of the past. The girl’s journey reflects her transition from innocence to a deeper understanding of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.

By Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu · First published 1875 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Mystery · 7,569 words

First lines

I'm an old woman now; and I was but thirteen, my last birthday, the night I came to Applewale House. My aunt was the housekeeper there, and a sort o' one-horse carriage was down at Lexhoe waitin' to take me and my box up to Applewale.

What this Textopian page supports

Madam Crowl's Ghost is listed on Textopian as a short story by Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu, dated 1875 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu
Date: 1875 CE
Language: English
Genres: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Supernatural Fiction
Length: 7,569 words
Structure: 1 section, 122 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Gothic Fiction — The story features elements typical of Gothic fiction, including a haunted house, supernatural occurrences, and a sense of dread and mystery surrounding the character of Madam Crowl.
Horror — The narrative includes frightening imagery and themes of death, madness, and the supernatural, which are central to the horror genre.
Mystery — The plot revolves around the mysterious circumstances of Madam Crowl's past and the disappearance of a boy, creating a sense of intrigue and investigation.
Historical Fiction — Set in a historical context, the story reflects the social norms and settings of the time, particularly in its depiction of class and gender roles.