The Room in the Dragon Volant

Name: The Room in the Dragon Volant
Author: Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu

In 1815, a young Englishman, recently wealthy, travels to Paris amidst the excitement following Napoleon's defeat. On his journey, he encounters a distressed carriage containing a mysterious lady and an elderly gentleman, whom he assists. Intrigued by the lady's beauty, he follows them to an inn, where he becomes enamored with her and learns they are of noble descent. The protagonist becomes obsessed with the lady, later identified as the Countess de St. Alyre, and is determined to learn more about her. He engages his servant to gather information about the noble couple, leading to a series of romantic and perilous encounters. The Countess, trapped in a loveless marriage with a jealous husband, confides in the protagonist about her desire to escape her situation. As their relationship deepens, the protagonist learns of the Countess's plan to flee with her diamonds, which she intends to sell to fund their escape. However, the Count, suspicious and tyrannical, complicates matters. The protagonist's admiration for the Countess leads him to agree to help her, despite the risks involved. The narrative takes a dark turn when the protagonist is drugged by the Count and his accomplices, who plan to dispose of him by placing him in a coffin, intending to fake his death. The protagonist narrowly escapes this fate with the help of the police, who uncover the Count's nefarious plans. Ultimately, the Count is arrested and executed, while the Countess receives a lighter sentence. The protagonist reflects on the harrowing experience, recognizing the dangers of his romantic pursuits and the lessons learned from his brush with death. The story concludes with him contemplating the impact of these events on his life and future.

By Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu · First published 1864 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Mystery · 26 chapters · 54,021 words

First lines

In the eventful year, 1815, I was exactly three-and-twenty, and had just succeeded to a very large sum in consols, and other securities. The first fall of Napoleon had thrown the continent open to English excursionists, anxious, let us suppose, to improve their minds by foreign travel; and I -- the slight check of the "hundred days" removed, by the genius of Wellington, on the field of Waterloo -- was now added to the philosophic throng.

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The Room in the Dragon Volant is listed on Textopian as a novel by Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu, dated 1864 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu
Date: 1864 CE
Language: English
Genres: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Adventure
Length: 54,021 words
Structure: 26 chapters, 1,080 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Genres

Gothic Fiction — The novel features dark themes, supernatural elements, and a mysterious atmosphere typical of Gothic literature.
Horror — It includes elements of fear and the uncanny, contributing to a sense of dread throughout the narrative.
Mystery — The plot revolves around uncovering secrets and solving enigmas related to the characters and their motivations.
Romance — Romantic elements are present, particularly in the relationships and emotional conflicts between characters.