The Mystery of Old Daddy's Window
In a remote mountain setting, a man named Jonas Creyshaw witnesses a mysterious figure rise from a sheer precipice known as Old Daddy's Window. This apparition, which he initially believes to be a ghost, causes panic in his household, particularly for his wife, Mirandy. They decide to keep the incident from Old Daddy, Jonas's elderly father, who is known for his pride in his son. As the story unfolds, the family dynamics and the local community's perception of Old Daddy and his son are explored. Old Daddy, despite his frailty, is portrayed as a proud man who often boasts about his son’s accomplishments. The narrative shifts to the reactions of the younger generation, particularly Si, Jonas's twelve-year-old son, who is both fascinated and frightened by the ghostly tale. Si's curiosity leads him to contemplate climbing the cliffs near Old Daddy's Window to catch an owl, despite the dangers involved. His internal conflict highlights the themes of bravery and the desire for adventure. Meanwhile, Old Daddy's pride in his son leads him to share the ghost story with the local men, who react with a mix of skepticism and humor. As the story progresses, Si's adventure culminates in a moment of realization when he discovers that the ghostly figure was merely his own shadow cast against the cliff. This revelation not only dispels the fear surrounding the apparition but also emphasizes the innocence and imagination of youth. The narrative concludes with the community still puzzled by the mystery, leaving the legend of Old Daddy's Window intact, while Si learns a valuable lesson about perception and reality.
By Mary Noailles Murfree · First published 1903 · Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Literary Fiction · 5,045 words
First lines
Picture to yourself a wild ravine, gashing a mountain spur, and with here and there in its course abrupt descents. One of these is so deep and sheer that it might be called a precipice.
High above it, from the steep slope on either hand, beetling crags jut out. Their summits almost meet at one point, and thus the space below bears a rude resemblance to a huge window. Through it you might see the blue heights in the distance; or watch the clouds and sunshine shift over the sombre mountain across the narrow valley; or mark, after the day has faded, how the great Scorpio draws its shining curves along the dark sky.
What this Textopian page supports
The Mystery of Old Daddy's Window is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mary Noailles Murfree, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Supernatural, Literary Fiction, Regional Fiction, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 5,045 words
- Structure: 1 section, 115 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Mystery — The plot revolves around the mysterious appearance of a ghost and the characters' attempts to understand and explain it.
- Supernatural — The story features supernatural elements, particularly the ghost that appears at Old Daddy's Window.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is descriptive and character-driven, focusing on the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters.
- Regional Fiction — The setting and characters are deeply rooted in the Appalachian culture, reflecting the local dialect and customs.
Tags
Southern Gothic · Regionalism · Coming-of-age · Family drama · Social class · Rural setting · Isolation · Loneliness · Mystery · Suspense · Psychological insight · Character study