The Dweller on the Threshold

Name: The Dweller on the Threshold
Author: Robert Hichens

The narrative follows the intertwined lives of three main characters: a prominent clergyman, his ambitious wife, and his senior curate. The clergyman, despite his outward success and commanding presence, is plagued by an inner turmoil that manifests as a decline in his preaching abilities and self-confidence. His wife, initially supportive and adoring, begins to sense his deterioration and feels the strain of their relationship as she witnesses the rise of the curate, who is increasingly gaining strength and influence. The curate, once a meek and submissive figure, undergoes a transformation that leads him to assert his own will and challenge the rector's authority. This shift creates a complex dynamic between the three characters, as the curate's newfound confidence seems to come at the expense of the rector's stability. The clergyman's attempts to dominate the curate through secretive psychical experiments backfire, leading to a reversal of their roles. The curate's strength grows while the rector's power wanes, creating a tension that threatens to unravel their lives. As the story unfolds, the clergyman grapples with his past ambitions and the consequences of his actions, while the curate struggles with the moral implications of his rise to power. The clergyman's wife becomes increasingly aware of the changes in both men, leading her to question her own role and the nature of her husband's authority. The narrative explores themes of ambition, power dynamics, and the psychological effects of influence, ultimately revealing the fragility of human relationships and the complexities of the human psyche. The climax centers around a series of revelations and confrontations, as the characters are forced to confront their true selves and the consequences of their choices. The clergyman's decline, the curate's rise, and the wife's internal conflict culminate in a dramatic exploration of identity, morality, and the search for truth. The story concludes with an ambiguous resolution, leaving the characters' fates intertwined and uncertain, as they navigate the complexities of their relationships and the shadows of their pasts.

By Robert Hichens · First published 1901 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Mystery · 12 chapters · 74,678 words

First lines

When Evelyn Malling, notorious because of his sustained interest in Psychical Research and his work for Professor Stepton, first met the Rev. Marcus Harding, that well-known clergyman was still in the full flow of his many activities. He had been translated from his labors in Liverpool to a West End church in London. There he had proved hitherto an astonishing success. On Hospital Sundays the total sums collected from his flock were by far the largest that came from the pockets of any congregation in London. The music in St. Joseph's was allowed by connoisseurs, who knew their Elgar as well as their Goss, their Perosi as well as their Bach, and their Wesley, to be remarkable. Critical persons, mostly men, who sat on the fence between Orthodoxy and Atheism, thought highly of Mr. Harding's sermons, and even sometimes came down on his side. And, of all signs surely the most promising for a West End clergyman's success, smart people flocked to him to be married, and Arum lilies were perpetually being carried in and out of his chancel, which was adorned with Morris windows. He was married to a woman who managed to be admirable without being dull, Lady Sophia, daughter of the late Earl of Mansford, and sister of the present peer. He was comfortably off. His health as a rule was good, though occasionally he suffered from some obscure form of dyspepsia. And he was still comparatively young, just forty-eight.

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The Dweller on the Threshold is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert Hichens, dated 1901 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Robert Hichens
Date: 1901 CE
Language: English
Genres: Gothic Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Mystery, Literary Fiction, Fantasy
Length: 74,678 words
Structure: 12 chapters, 1,734 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Gothic Fiction — The novel features dark themes, supernatural elements, and a brooding atmosphere typical of Gothic literature.
Psychological Fiction — It explores the inner thoughts and emotional struggles of characters, delving into their psyche.
Mystery — The plot involves elements of suspense and intrigue, with a focus on uncovering hidden truths.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is characterized by its depth, complexity, and exploration of philosophical themes.