A Warning by Mary Noailles Murfree
The narrative unfolds in a remote mountain cabin during a dark night, where Solomon Grow returns home to find his family engaged in a quarrel. The atmosphere is tense, with his father and drunken uncle arguing heatedly, while the warmth of the fire contrasts sharply with the cold, oppressive darkness outside. Solomon, feeling slighted by his parents' remarks, observes the discord and the superstitions that permeate his family's beliefs. As the argument escalates, Solomon intervenes by causing the warping-bars to crash to the ground, intending to distract them and halt the conflict. This act, however, is misinterpreted as a supernatural warning, igniting fear and superstition among his family members. His mother and grandmother interpret the incident as an omen of bad luck, while Solomon grapples with the weight of his secret—his role in the incident remains undisclosed. The following morning, the landscape transforms under a blanket of snow, creating a stark contrast to the previous night's turmoil. The family discusses the fallen warping-bars, attributing significance to the event. Solomon, unable to keep his secret any longer, admits his involvement, which initially shocks his family. His father reacts with a mix of anger and humor, while his grandmother expresses outrage at Solomon's actions. Ultimately, the story explores themes of family dynamics, superstition, and the consequences of one's actions. Solomon's attempt to mediate the conflict through deception leads to a deeper understanding of the complexities of human relationships and the weight of responsibility. The narrative concludes with a sense of resolution, as Solomon feels relieved after revealing the truth, despite the initial shock it brings to his family.
By Mary Noailles Murfree · First published 1901 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Regional Fiction, Drama · 2,702 words
First lines
It was night on Elm Ridge. So black, so black that the great crags and chasms were hidden, the forest was lost in the encompassing gloom, the valley and the distant ranges were gone, -- all the world had disappeared.
There was no wind, and the dark clouds above the dark earth hung low and motionless. Solomon Grow found it something of an undertaking to grope his way back from the little hut of unhewn logs, where he had stabled his father's horse, to the door of the cabin and the home-circle within.
What this Textopian page supports
A Warning is listed on Textopian as a novella by Mary Noailles Murfree, dated 1901 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Mary Noailles Murfree
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Regional Fiction, Drama, Psychological Fiction, Gothic Fiction
- Length: 2,702 words
- Structure: 1 section, 62 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Warning by Mary Noailles Murfree
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Warning?
- How does this novella by Mary Noailles Murfree fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative focuses on character development, emotional depth, and the exploration of human relationships and societal norms.
- Regional Fiction — The story is set in a specific geographical location, depicting the culture and lifestyle of the Appalachian community.
- Drama — The plot revolves around interpersonal conflicts and emotional tensions within a family setting.
- Psychological Fiction — The characters' internal struggles and motivations are central to the narrative, particularly Solomon's secret and the family's reactions.
Tags
Regional Fiction · Southern Gothic · Coming-of-Age · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Rural Life · Isolation · Loneliness · Nature vs Nurture · Identity Crisis · Morality Tale · Class Conflict