A Dark Career by Oliver Herford
The narrative follows a character whose presence brings misfortune and darkness wherever he travels. His journey begins on the shores of the Atlantic, where he leaves a negative impact that transforms the vibrant surroundings into a shadowy landscape. As he moves through various countries—England, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy—each location experiences a similar blight, suggesting that his influence is pervasive and detrimental. The character's travels continue to Africa, where he casts an even darker shadow, culminating in Timbuctoo, where his record of misdeeds seemingly vanishes. The imagery throughout emphasizes the contrast between the beauty of the landscapes he traverses and the darkness he brings with him. The work employs metaphorical language to illustrate the character's destructive nature, likening his journey to a stain that tarnishes the places he visits. Ultimately, the narrative reflects on the idea that some individuals carry a burden of negativity that affects their surroundings, leaving a lasting mark on the world. The character's journey serves as a commentary on the impact of one's actions and the inescapable nature of their consequences. The work concludes with a sense of unresolved tension, as the character's influence lingers in the memories and records of the places he has touched.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Dark Humor, Literary Fiction · 316 words
First lines
Call it misfortune, crime, or what You will -- his presence was a blot Where all was bright and fair -- A blot that told its darksome tale And left its mark a blighting trail Behind him everywhere.
He stood by the Atlantic's shore, And crossed the azure main, And even the sea, so blue before, About his wake grew dark and bore The semblance of a stain.
What this Textopian page supports
A Dark Career is listed on Textopian as a short story by Oliver Herford, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Dark Humor, Literary Fiction, Travel Literature, Social Commentary
- Length: 316 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Dark Humor — The themes of misfortune and a blighting presence suggest a satirical take on serious subjects.
- Literary Fiction — The exploration of complex themes and the use of rich imagery align with literary fiction.
- Travel Literature — The poem references various geographical locations, reflecting a journey across different lands.
Tags
Dark Fiction · Psychological Thriller · Mystery · Crime · Suspense · Thrilling · Gripping · Chilling · Unpredictable · Twisted · Morbid · Obsessive