The Sleeping Faun

Name: The Sleeping Faun
Author: Marjorie Pickthall

The narrative follows a young boy named Launce, who is sent to visit his Uncle William and his new Aunt Lucia at Great House after his uncle's marriage in Italy. Launce is initially bewildered by the beauty and strangeness of his new surroundings, particularly captivated by Lucia, who is described as both beautiful and unsuitable. The story unfolds through Launce's eyes, revealing his deepening affection for Lucia and his fascination with a marble statue of a faun that is placed in the garden. As Launce spends time at Great House, he experiences a blend of joy and confusion. He enjoys the company of his uncle and godfather, Geoffrey Launcelot, and engages in various activities, including exploring the gardens and riding horses. The faun becomes a symbol of beauty and innocence for Launce, who believes it comes to life at night, calling to him and dancing in the moonlight. The dynamics between the characters shift as tensions arise. Geoffrey develops feelings for Lucia, which complicates the relationships within the household. Launce, unaware of the adult complexities, continues to idolize Lucia and the faun, believing in their magical connection. The story takes a darker turn when a fierce storm strikes, leading to a tragic event that changes everything. Geoffrey and Lucia venture out during the storm, and despite the danger, Geoffrey attempts to protect Lucia. The storm's fury ultimately claims both their lives, leaving Launce and Uncle William to grapple with the loss. The once vibrant Great House becomes a place of mourning, and Launce, now profoundly affected by the events, realizes he is no longer a child. The faun, a representation of beauty and innocence, is lost to the storm, symbolizing the end of Launce's childhood and the harsh realities of life. The work explores themes of beauty, innocence, love, and the inevitable loss that accompanies growing up, encapsulated in Launce's journey from childhood wonder to the painful awareness of adult complexities.

By Marjorie Pickthall · First published 1913 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Romance · 11,453 words

First lines

"William writes that he is home from Italy, Helena; that he is married to Lucia Vasotti, and that he begs us to send the child to Great House on a visit, so that it may be less lonely for Lucia-a stranger in a strange land, as he justly observes."

What this Textopian page supports

The Sleeping Faun is listed on Textopian as a novella by Marjorie Pickthall, dated 1913 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novella
Author: Marjorie Pickthall
Date: 1913 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Romance, Fantasy, Drama
Length: 11,453 words
Structure: 1 section, 233 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Sleeping Faun by Marjorie Pickthall
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 Sleeping Faun?
How does this novella by Marjorie Pickthall fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of beauty, loss, and the transition from childhood to adulthood, characterized by rich, descriptive prose.
Coming-of-Age — The protagonist, Launce, experiences significant emotional and psychological growth throughout the narrative.
Romance — The relationships between characters, particularly involving Lucia and Geoffrey, are central to the plot and themes.
Fantasy — Elements of magic and the supernatural are present, particularly in Launce's perceptions of the faun and the night.