The Amulet by Mary Noailles Murfree

Name: The Amulet
Author: Mary Noailles Murfree

The narrative unfolds in the backdrop of Fort Prince George during the aftermath of the Seven Years' War, focusing on the lives of Captain Howard, his daughter Arabella, and the tensions with the Cherokee Indians. The story begins with Arabella's fascination with the moonlit wilderness, contrasting her isolation with the impending changes in her life as her father prepares to leave the fort for a more comfortable post in Charlestown. As the characters interact, the dynamics between Arabella, her father, and the young officers, particularly George Mervyn and Ensign Raymond, become central to the plot. Mervyn, who is favored by Captain Howard, exhibits a blend of charm and rivalry with Raymond, leading to a subtle competition for Arabella's affections. The tension escalates when a dinner invitation leads to a clash of egos, revealing underlying animosities and insecurities among the young men. The arrival of the Cherokee delegation introduces a new layer of conflict. The Indians, feeling threatened by the missionary work of Reverend Morton, demand his removal, believing his teachings undermine their culture. Captain Howard, caught between his duty to protect the missionary and the volatile sentiments of the Cherokee, faces a moral dilemma. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, cultural clash, and the complexities of colonial relationships. As the story progresses, the fort becomes a microcosm of the larger conflicts between the British and the Cherokee. The tension culminates in a storm that symbolizes the brewing conflict, leading to the burning of the granary and the subsequent chaos. Raymond's attempt to rescue Reverend Morton from the wrath of the Cherokee showcases his bravery and commitment, while Mervyn's character is tested as he grapples with his own insecurities and the expectations placed upon him. The climax occurs during a council meeting where Captain Howard must navigate the demands of the Cherokee leaders while defending Reverend Morton. The old missionary's steadfastness in his faith and refusal to abandon his post highlights the theme of sacrifice and the struggle for cultural identity. The resolution sees the characters confronting their fears and desires, with Arabella's burgeoning feelings for Raymond complicating the dynamics further. Ultimately, the story weaves a rich tapestry of human emotions against the backdrop of historical conflict, exploring the intersections of love, duty, and the harsh realities of life on the frontier. The characters' journeys reflect their growth and the choices they must make in a world fraught with uncertainty and danger.

By Mary Noailles Murfree · First published 1893 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Southern Gothic, Historical Fiction · 19 chapters · 104,463 words

First lines

The aspect of the lonely moon in this bleak night sky exerted a strange fascination upon the English girl. She often paused to draw the improvised red curtain at the tiny window of the log house that served as the commandant's quarters and gaze upon the translucent sphere as it swung westering above the spurs of the Great Smoky Mountains, which towered in the icy air on the horizon. Beneath it the forests gleamed fitfully with frost; the long snowy vistas of the shadowy valleys showed variant tones of white in its pearly lustre. So dominant was the sense of isolation, of the infinite loneliness of the wilderness, that to her the moon was like this nowhere else. A suspended consciousness seemed to characterize it, almost an abeyance of animation, yet this still serene splendor did not suggest death. She had long ago been taught, indeed, that it was an extinct and burnt-out world. But in this strange new existence old theories were blunted and she was ready for fresh impressions. This majestic tranquillity seemed as of deep and dreamless slumber, and the picturesque fancy of the Indians that the moon is but the sun asleep took strong hold on her imagination. She first heard the superstition one evening at dusk, as she stood at the window with one end of the curtain in her hand, and asked her father what was the word for "moon" in the Cherokee language.

What this Textopian page supports

The Amulet is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mary Noailles Murfree, dated 1893 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Mary Noailles Murfree
Date: 1893 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Southern Gothic, Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure
Length: 104,463 words
Structure: 19 chapters, 1,373 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Amulet by Mary Noailles Murfree
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 The Amulet?
How does this novel by Mary Noailles Murfree 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 characters and themes, focusing on human experiences and emotions.
Southern Gothic — The setting and atmosphere reflect the Southern Gothic tradition, with elements of decay, moral ambiguity, and eccentric characters.
Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, reflecting the culture and social issues of the time.
Romance — The plot includes romantic elements and relationships that drive character development.