The Warning
The novel revolves around a young woman who returns to her family's estate after being away for several years. She brings with her a new husband and a child, but the atmosphere at the estate is tense due to the patriarch's declining health and the family's dark past. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the family's history is marked by tragedy, including the death of a young daughter who was accused of being possessed by evil spirits. The family's attempts to cover up this event have led to a deep-seated guilt and shame that continues to affect them. The protagonist struggles with her own sense of identity and belonging within the family, particularly as she tries to navigate her relationships with her husband and her father. Meanwhile, strange occurrences begin to happen at the estate, which seem to be connected to the family's dark past. Throughout the novel, themes of guilt, shame, and redemption are explored, raising questions about the nature of evil and the consequences of one's actions.
By Josephine Daskam Bacon · First published 1916 · Genre: Psychological Thriller, Drama, Crime Fiction · 11,432 words
First lines
Weldon leaned forward slightly in his chair, his hands loose between his knees, and faced the president steadily. The moment had come. All his rehearsals of it, all his tremours, all his incredulities must end here. He felt a distinct surprise at his collected coolness, his almost amused grasp of the situation. Except for the tense, guarded muscles that a month's racking, overworked strain had left conscious of their possible trickiness, he was absolutely himself.
What this Textopian page supports
The Warning is listed on Textopian as a novel by Josephine Daskam Bacon, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Josephine Daskam Bacon
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Psychological Thriller, Drama, Crime Fiction, Mystery, Suspense
- Length: 11,432 words
- Structure: 1 section, 238 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Warning by Josephine Daskam Bacon
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Warning?
- How does this novel by Josephine Daskam Bacon fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Psychological Thriller first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Psychological Thriller — The plot revolves around tension, suspense, and the psychological turmoil of the protagonist as he navigates a high-stakes situation involving fraud and murder.
- Drama — The themes of moral conflict, personal integrity, and the consequences of one's actions are central to the narrative, showcasing deep character development.
- Crime Fiction — The story involves criminal activities, including fraud and murder, and explores the implications of these actions on the characters involved.
- Mystery — The unfolding of the plot includes elements of mystery as the protagonist uncovers hidden truths and navigates deception.
Tags
Mystery · Thriller · Suspense · Psychological Thriller · Crime Fiction · Detective Story · Female Protagonist · Small Town Setting · Gossip and Rumors · Secrets and Lies · Family Drama · Social Commentary