The Mist by Lord Dunsany (1917)
A mist rises, embodying the souls of the deceased who longed to experience the beauty of the Downs but never had the chance. This ethereal presence weeps as it ascends to the high places and hollows, creating a haunting atmosphere. The narrator seeks understanding from a prophet, who reveals that the mist represents the collective sorrow of those souls, eternally yearning for the landscapes they missed in life. The mist's journey symbolizes unfulfilled desires and the poignant connection between the living and the dead, as it traverses the land, evoking a sense of loss and longing. The narrative explores themes of memory, regret, and the ethereal nature of existence, illustrating how the past lingers in the present through the mist's mournful ascent. The imagery of the mist and the Downs serves as a metaphor for the beauty and tragedy of life, highlighting the emotional weight carried by those who have departed. The work invites reflection on the relationship between the living and the memories of the dead, emphasizing the enduring impact of unfulfilled dreams and the haunting presence of the past.
By Lord Dunsany · First published 1917 · Genre: Fantasy, Poetry, Philosophical · 133 words
First lines
The mist said unto the mist: "Let us go up into the Downs. " And the mist came up weeping.
And the mist went into the high places and the hollows.
And clumps of trees in the distance stood ghostly in the haze.
But I went to a prophet, one who loved the Downs, and I said to him: "Why does the mist come up weeping into the Downs when it goes into the high places and the hollows?"
What this Textopian page supports
The Mist is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Lord Dunsany
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Poetry, Philosophical, Literary Fiction, Gothic
- Length: 133 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Mist by Lord Dunsany
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Mist?
- How does this short story by Lord Dunsany fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative features ethereal elements and personification of the mist, characteristic of fantasy literature.
- Poetry — The lyrical quality and evocative imagery create a poetic atmosphere throughout the text.
- Philosophical — The dialogue with the prophet explores themes of existence and the afterlife, reflecting philosophical inquiries.
- Literary Fiction — The focus on character introspection and thematic depth aligns with literary fiction conventions.
Tags
Fantasy · Short Story · Supernatural Fiction · Mystery · Horror · Atmospheric Setting · Isolated Environment · Small Town · Community Dynamics · Fear and Anxiety · Paranoia · Suspense