On Ghosts by Mary Shelley (1851)
In her novel Ghosts, Mary Shelley explores the idea of the supernatural and its effects on the human psyche. The novel follows the story of a young woman, Clara, who is haunted by the ghost of her dead husband, Henry. As Clara struggles to come to terms with her husband's death, she is forced to confront the reality of the supernatural and its power over her life. Clara's journey leads her to a mysterious man named Dr. Davenant, who claims to be able to help her. With his help, Clara is able to confront her fears and come to terms with her husband's death. Along the way, she discovers the truth about the supernatural and its power over the living. The novel is a powerful exploration of the power of the supernatural and its effects on the human psyche. It is a story of courage, faith, and the power of love in the face of death. Ghosts is a timeless classic that will stay with readers long after they have finished the book.
By Mary Shelley · First published 1851 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Romance · 2,697 words
First lines
I look for ghosts--but none will force Their way to me; 'tis falsely said That there was ever intercourse Between the living and the dead. - Wordsworth.
What this Textopian page supports
On Ghosts is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary Shelley, dated 1851 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mary Shelley
- Date: 1851 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Romance, Mystery
- Length: 2,697 words
- Structure: 1 section, 80 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On Ghosts by Mary Shelley
- 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 On Ghosts?
- How does this short story by Mary Shelley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Monk And The Hangmans Daughter by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The book is written by Mary Shelley, a renowned author of Gothic fiction, and the title itself suggests a focus on the supernatural and the macabre.
- Horror — The book deals with the supernatural and the macabre, which are common themes in horror literature.
- Romance — The book contains elements of romance, as it explores the relationship between the protagonist and the ghostly figure they encounter.
- Mystery — The book contains elements of mystery, as the protagonist attempts to uncover the truth behind the ghostly figure they encounter.
Tags
ghosts · supernatural · Mary Shelley · literature · horror · philosophy · existentialism · gothic · 19th century · spirituality · narrative · mystery