The Pale Ape by M.P. Shiel (1911)
The Pale Ape is a science fiction novel by M.P. Shiel, first published in 1901. It tells the story of a scientist, Dr. John Cavor, who discovers a strange, pale-colored ape living in the jungles of Africa. Cavor soon discovers that the ape is actually an intelligent being, capable of speech and thought. He also discovers that the ape is the last of its kind, and is the only one of its kind to have survived the destruction of its home planet. Cavor takes the ape back to England, where he attempts to teach it the ways of human society. However, the ape's alien nature soon begins to cause problems, as it is unable to understand the complexities of human behavior. As the ape's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, Cavor is forced to make a difficult decision: whether to keep the ape in captivity, or to set it free. The Pale Ape is a classic science fiction novel that explores themes of morality, identity, and the consequences of scientific progress. It is a thought-provoking and entertaining read, and is sure to captivate readers of all ages.
By M.P. Shiel · First published 1911 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure · 5,257 words
First lines
-"A big thing of a pig."--Aristophanes.
Yesterday again I stood and looked at Hargen Hall from the lake; and it is this that has brought me to write of my life in it. Wintry winds were whistling through the withered bracken and the branches, whirling withered birch-leaves about the south quadrangle; and no birds sang.
What this Textopian page supports
The Pale Ape is listed on Textopian as a short story by M.P. Shiel, dated 1911 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: M.P. Shiel
- Date: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
- Length: 5,257 words
- Structure: 1 section, 56 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Pale Ape by M.P. Shiel
- 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 Pale Ape?
- How does this short story by M.P. Shiel fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The Pale Ape is a science fiction novel by M.P. Shiel, featuring a protagonist who is a scientist and inventor, and a plot involving a mysterious creature from another world.
- Fantasy — The Pale Ape contains elements of fantasy, such as the mysterious creature from another world and the protagonist's invention of a time machine.
- Adventure — The Pale Ape is an adventure novel, with the protagonist embarking on a journey to explore the mysterious creature and its world.
- Mystery — The Pale Ape contains elements of mystery, as the protagonist attempts to uncover the truth about the creature and its world.
Tags
horror · mystery · suspense · supernatural · gothic · adventure · psychological · isolation · exploration · dark fantasy · literary fiction · early 20th century