A Happy Release
The narrative follows Mr. Benjamin Woolfield, a widower who has spent a year in mourning for his wife, Kesiah, with whom he had an unhappy marriage. Kesiah, a devout Plymouth Sister, often criticized Benjamin for his worldly habits, making him feel like an outcast in his own home. After the mourning period, Benjamin seeks companionship and becomes engaged to Philippa Weston, a lively and intelligent woman. However, Benjamin's plans for a new life are thwarted by the ghost of his late wife, who appears to him with a stern warning that she will prevent him from marrying Philippa. She expresses her intent to haunt him until he breaks off the engagement, leading to a series of comedic and supernatural encounters. Benjamin finds himself in a predicament, as he is unable to escape the persistent presence of Kesiah's spirit, which disrupts his attempts to court Philippa. Despite his affection for Philippa, Benjamin is tormented by the ghostly reminders of his late wife, who appears at inconvenient moments, including during dinner with friends and while he is trying to enjoy time with Philippa. The ghost's cold demeanor and relentless haunting leave Benjamin feeling drained and desperate. In a twist, Philippa reveals that she too is haunted by the ghost of a man named Jehu Post, who was infatuated with her during his life. This shared experience of being haunted brings the couple closer together, and they devise a plan to confront their spectral partners. Philippa encourages Benjamin to defy his late wife's spirit, suggesting that they marry despite the hauntings. The story culminates in a humorous encounter where Philippa and Benjamin, while discussing home decor, discover that their ghosts have formed an unexpected bond. The narrative concludes with a light-hearted revelation that the ghosts have eloped together, freeing Benjamin and Philippa from their spectral burdens and allowing them to pursue their happiness unencumbered. The tale explores themes of love, the afterlife, and the humorous complexities of moving on from the past.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1890 · Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance · 4,941 words
First lines
Mr. Benjamin Woolfield was a widower. For twelve months he put on mourning. The mourning was external, and by no means represented the condition of his feelings; for his married life had not been happy. He and Kesiah had been unequally yoked together. The Mosaic law forbade the union of the ox and the ass to draw one plough; and two more uncongenial creatures than Benjamin and Kesiah could hardly have been coupled to draw the matrimonial furrow.
She was a Plymouth Sister, and he, as she repeatedly informed him whenever he indulged in light reading, laughed, smoked, went out shooting, or drank a glass of wine, was of the earth, earthy, and a miserable worldling.
What this Textopian page supports
A Happy Release is listed on Textopian as a novel by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Literary Fiction, Gothic Fiction
- Length: 4,941 words
- Structure: 1 section, 159 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Happy Release by Sabine Baring-Gould
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Discussion starters
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- How does this novel by Sabine Baring-Gould fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Sugar Coated Carrot by David Cory
Genres
- Comedy — The book employs humor through the absurdity of a man being haunted by his deceased wife while trying to pursue a new romantic relationship.
- Fantasy — The presence of ghosts and supernatural elements, particularly the haunting of Mr. Woolfield by his late wife, places the story within the fantasy genre.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around Mr. Woolfield's engagement to Philippa Weston and the complications arising from his past marriage.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores themes of marriage, societal expectations, and personal freedom, characteristic of literary fiction.
Tags
happiness · release · freedom · self-discovery · personal growth · transformation · emotional journey · life choices · resilience · hope · inner peace · mental health