Something in It

Name: Something in It
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

A missionary arrives on an island, dismissing local legends about a cursed house made of yellow reeds, warning that anyone who touches it will fall prey to a malevolent spirit. Despite the warnings, he swims to a bay deemed dangerous and is drawn to the mysterious house. Upon entering, he finds it empty, and as he touches a calabash, the house vanishes, plunging him into darkness. Captured by the spirit Akaanga, he is taken to the ovens of Miru, where he encounters the souls of the dead, including a former convert. The convert challenges the missionary's beliefs, questioning the validity of his teachings. As the daughters of Miru prepare a kava made from the dead, the missionary feels an intense desire to drink it but ultimately refrains, citing his commitment to abstaining from such substances. Akaanga, frustrated by the missionary's stubbornness, decides to release him, and he finds himself back in the sea, swimming toward the island. Reflecting on his experience, he acknowledges that while he initially believed there was nothing to the local tales, he has come to realize that there is indeed a deeper truth. He resolves to share this newfound understanding with others, ringing the bell for service. The narrative explores themes of belief, the clash between faith and superstition, and the nature of truth, culminating in a moral that emphasizes the fragility of human convictions against the backdrop of eternal truths.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1893 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Philosophical Fiction · 1,334 words

First lines

The natives told him many tales. In particular, they warned him of the house of yellow reeds tied with black sinnet, how any one who touched it became instantly the prey of Akaanga, and was handed on to him by Miru the ruddy, and hocussed with the kava of the dead, and baked in the ovens and eaten by the eaters of the dead.

"There is nothing in it," said the missionary.

What this Textopian page supports

Something in It is listed on Textopian as a fable by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1893 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Fable
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1893 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Horror
Length: 1,334 words
Structure: 1 section, 27 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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How does this fable by Robert Louis Stevenson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The narrative involves supernatural elements, such as the mythical figures Akaanga and Miru, and the concept of a kava that connects the living and the dead.
Adventure — The missionary's journey to the island and his encounters with the unknown create a sense of adventure and exploration.
Philosophical Fiction — The story explores themes of belief, morality, and the nature of truth, particularly through the missionary's internal conflict.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is reflective and rich in imagery, focusing on character development and thematic depth.