A Memory of a Midnight Express
The narrative unfolds through the introspective thoughts of a traveler who experiences a profound sense of unease as he boards a train at Holyhead. Initially, he reflects on his tendency to ignore presentiments of danger, having never encountered a fulfilled premonition. As he settles into an empty compartment, his desire for sleep is interrupted by the sudden entrance of a small man with a large black bag, who appears to be a potential threat. The traveler’s initial fear escalates as he scrutinizes the man, perceiving him as a murderer based on his unsettling gaze and demeanor. The tension builds as they engage in a conversation, during which the traveler attempts to maintain his composure while grappling with his fear. The man, despite his menacing appearance, reveals a surprisingly benign nature, sharing details about his life, including his profession in lace and his daughter. As the conversation progresses, the traveler’s fear dissipates, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and affection for the man. He becomes engrossed in the man’s story, feeling a connection that transcends their brief encounter. However, as sleep overtakes him, the man kindly dims the lamp, and the traveler drifts off. Upon awakening at Euston station, the traveler reflects on the encounter, feeling a mix of regret and sorrow at the thought of never seeing the man again. He grapples with the emotional weight of the experience, recognizing the irrationality of his feelings—fear without real danger and sorrow without loss. The narrative concludes with a contemplation on the nature of human emotions, suggesting that they often arise from trivial circumstances rather than significant events, highlighting the complexity of human experience and the unpredictability of emotional responses.
By Max Beerbohm · First published 1919 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Suspense, Literary Fiction · 2,429 words
First lines
Often I have presentiments of evil; but, never having had one of them fulfilled, I am beginning to ignore them. I find that I have always walked straight, serenely imprescient, into whatever trap Fate has laid for me. When I think of any horrible thing that has befallen me, the horror is intensified by recollection of its suddenness. 'But a moment before, I had been quite happy, quite secure. A moment later -- ' I shudder. Why be thus at Fate's mercy always, when with a little ordinary second sight. Yet no! That is the worst of a presentiment: it never averts evil, it does but unnerve the victim. Best, after all, to have only false presentiments like mine. Bolts that cannot be dodged strike us kindliest from the blue.
What this Textopian page supports
A Memory of a Midnight Express is listed on Textopian as a short story by Max Beerbohm, dated 1919 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Max Beerbohm
- Date: 1919 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Psychological Fiction, Suspense, Literary Fiction, Drama, Mystery
- Length: 2,429 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Memory of a Midnight Express by Max Beerbohm
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- On The City Wall by Rudyard Kipling
- Drifting Away A Fragment by Charles Kingsley
- To N V De G S by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Memory by Gelett Burgess
- Out Of Town by Thomas Burke
- Journey To Portugal by Jose Saramago
Genres
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves deeply into the protagonist's thoughts and emotions, exploring themes of fear, perception, and the nature of reality.
- Suspense — The story builds tension through the protagonist's encounter with a potentially dangerous stranger, creating a sense of impending threat.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and rich in detail, focusing on character development and thematic depth rather than plot-driven action.
- Drama — The emotional exchanges and internal conflicts of the characters create a dramatic atmosphere, highlighting human experiences and relationships.
Tags
memory · midnight · express · journey · nostalgia · reflection · travel · adventure · literary · imagination · experience · recollection