The Bridal of Carrigvarah

Name: The Bridal of Carrigvarah
Author: Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu

"The Bridal of Carrigvarah" by J. Sheridan Le Fanu is a tale set in 17th-century Ireland, focusing on the lives of Martin Heathcote, a widowed farmer, and his beautiful daughter, Ellen. The story unfolds as young Richard O'Mara, heir to the nearby estate, becomes infatuated with Ellen. O'Mara's companion, Edward Dwyer, harbors ulterior motives and proposes a scheme to marry Ellen for financial gain, manipulating O'Mara's affections. As O'Mara grapples with his feelings and familial obligations, he receives a letter from his father urging him to pursue a marriage with Lady Emily, a match arranged by their families. Torn between duty and love, O'Mara resolves to leave Ireland to escape the pressures of his engagement. However, he cannot resist one last meeting with Ellen, leading to a passionate exchange that seals their bond. In a twist, Ellen mysteriously disappears, and Dwyer presents a forged marriage certificate to Heathcote, claiming Ellen is now married to O'Mara. As O'Mara navigates the complexities of his situation, he faces the consequences of Dwyer's manipulations and the societal expectations surrounding him. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and the impact of social class, culminating in a tragic resolution that highlights the dangers of ambition and desire.

By Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu · First published 1850 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction · 12,460 words

First lines

In a sequestered district of the county of Limerick, there stood in my early life, some forty years ago, one of those strong stone buildings, half castle, half farmhouse, which are not unfrequent in the South of Ireland, and whose solid masonry and massive construction seem to prove at once the insecurity and the caution of the Cromwellite settlers who erected them. At the time of which I speak, this building was tenanted by an elderly man, whose starch and puritanic mien and manners might have become the morose preaching parliamentarian captain, who had raised the house and ruled the household more than a hundred years before; but this man, though Protestant by descent as by name, was not so in religion; he was a strict, and in outward observances, an exemplary Catholic; his father had returned in early youth to the true faith, and died in the bosom of the church.

What this Textopian page supports

The Bridal of Carrigvarah is listed on Textopian as a short story by Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu, dated 1850 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu
Date: 1850 CE
Language: English
Genres: Gothic Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Literary Fiction
Length: 12,460 words
Structure: 1 section, 164 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Similar titles

Genres

Gothic Fiction — The novel features elements typical of Gothic fiction, including a dark, brooding atmosphere, themes of love and betrayal, and a tragic ending.
Romance — The central plot revolves around romantic relationships, particularly the love between Richard O'Mara and Ellen Heathcote, and the complications arising from their social standings.
Historical Fiction — Set in 17th-century Ireland, the story incorporates historical elements and social issues relevant to the time, such as class distinctions and religious tensions.
Tragedy — The narrative culminates in a tragic ending, with themes of loss, sacrifice, and the consequences of human actions leading to despair.