Martin's Close by M.R. James (1934)
The story revolves around a mysterious and ancient document that holds the key to a centuries-old murder. The protagonist discovers the document while researching at an old church in Suffolk. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a dark history of witchcraft and betrayal that led to the gruesome death of a young woman named Alice.
By M.R. James · First published 1934 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery · 9,573 words
First lines
Some few years back I was staying with the rector of a parish in the West, where the society to which I belong owns property. I was to go over some of this land: and, on the first morning of my visit, soon after breakfast, the estate carpenter and general handy man, John Hill, was announced as in readiness to accompany us. The rector asked which part of the parish we were to visit that morning. The estate map was produced, and when we had showed him our round, he put his finger on a particular spot. "Don't forget," he said, "to ask John Hill about Martin's Close when you get there. I should like to hear what he tells you. " "What ought he to tell us? " I said. "I haven't the slightest idea," said the rector, "or, if that is not exactly true, it will do till lunchtime. " And here he was called away.
What this Textopian page supports
Martin's Close is listed on Textopian as a short story by M.R. James, dated 1934 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.R. James
- Date: 1934 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Supernatural, Crime
- Length: 9,573 words
- Structure: 1 section, 46 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Martin's Close by M.R. James
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Martin's Close?
- How does this short story by M.R. James fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Mr Humphreys And His Inheritance by M. R. James
- An Episode Of Cathedral History by M. R. James
- The Diary Of Mr Poynter by M. R. James
- The Residence At Whitminster by M. R. James
- How Fear Departed From The Long Gallery by E. F. Benson
- The Familiar by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The story features elements of horror, the supernatural, and a dark atmosphere, typical of Gothic literature.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, involving a trial for murder and references to historical figures and events.
- Mystery — The plot revolves around a murder mystery, with an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crime.
- Supernatural — The presence of ghostly apparitions and the theme of haunting are central to the story.
Tags
Gothic Fiction · Supernatural Horror · Ghost Story · Mystery · Historical Fiction · English Literature · 19th Century Setting · Small Town Setting · Isolated Location · Atmosphere of Dread · Sense of Foreboding · Unreliable Narrator