The Three Graves, a Fragment of a Sexton's Tale

Name: The Three Graves, a Fragment of a Sexton's Tale
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The narrative unfolds around the lives of Edward, Mary, and Ellen, exploring themes of love, grief, and the impact of familial curses. The story begins with Edward and Mary’s marriage, which is overshadowed by Mary’s mother’s disapproval and a curse she places on Mary and Ellen. Despite the initial joy, Mary becomes increasingly melancholic, haunted by her mother’s curse and her own feelings of inadequacy. Ellen, a devoted friend, attempts to uplift Mary but struggles with her own hidden grief. The atmosphere grows tense as Edward becomes distressed by the emotional turmoil surrounding him. The narrative captures the deterioration of their relationships, marked by Edward's growing despair and Mary's deepening sadness. As the story progresses, Edward experiences a troubling dream that reveals his inner conflict and guilt, leading to a moment of horror when he believes he has caused Mary’s suffering. Ellen's reaction to Edward's distress shifts from concern to an unsettling laughter, indicating a fracture in their friendship and the weight of the curse. The sexton, who recounts this tale, reflects on the graves he has dug, hinting at the inevitability of death and the sorrow that accompanies it. The narrative culminates in a sense of foreboding, as the characters grapple with the consequences of their emotions and the lingering effects of the curse, leaving the reader with a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1796 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic · 3,123 words

First lines

PART I.

The grapes upon the Vicar's wall Were ripe as ripe could be; And yellow leaves in sun and wind Were falling from the tree.

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The Three Graves, a Fragment of a Sexton's Tale is listed on Textopian as a novella by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1796 CE.

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Work type: Novella
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1796 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic, Tragedy, Narrative
Length: 3,123 words
Structure: 1 section, 80 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices such as meter and rhyme.
Romanticism — The themes of love, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
Gothic — Elements of darkness, death, and curses contribute to a Gothic atmosphere.
Tragedy — The narrative explores themes of loss, grief, and emotional turmoil, characteristic of tragic literature.