A Sorrowful Guest by Sarah Orne Jewett

Name: A Sorrowful Guest
Author: Sarah Orne Jewett

The narrative centers on the relationship between a brother and sister, John Ainslie and his sister, who reunite after years of separation. John, an aging bachelor, invites his sister to live with him in Boston after the death of their aunt. She accepts, feeling a deep sense of loneliness since her aunt's passing. Their reunion is filled with nostalgia and warmth as they attempt to create a home together, rekindling their sibling bond. As they settle into their new life, they host various friends and acquaintances, including Jack's old army comrades. One evening, they invite a guest, Mr. Whiston, an old classmate of Jack's, who appears troubled and haunted. Whiston's demeanor suggests he is grappling with deep psychological issues, and he shares a disturbing story about his past connection with a fellow soldier, Henry Dunster, who died in battle. Whiston reveals that he believes Dunster's spirit follows him, causing him immense distress and leading to his mental decline. The siblings are intrigued yet concerned about Whiston's condition. Jack, a surgeon, speculates on the nature of Whiston's affliction, suggesting it may be a form of monomania or hallucination. Despite Jack's rational explanations, Whiston's conviction about Dunster's ghostly presence is palpable and unsettling. As the story unfolds, Whiston's health deteriorates, and he eventually succumbs to his mental anguish, dying in a hospital. Jack later discovers that Dunster, presumed dead, is alive but has led a life of degradation. The contrast between the two men's fates—Whiston's tragic end and Dunster's fall from grace—highlights themes of mental illness, the impact of war, and the fragility of human existence. The narrative concludes with reflections on the nature of life, the potential for both good and evil within individuals, and the societal tendency to overlook those who suffer silently. The story serves as a poignant exploration of familial bonds, the scars of war, and the haunting effects of unresolved trauma.

By Sarah Orne Jewett · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Historical Fiction · 11,811 words

First lines

Dear Helen, -- What do you say to our going to housekeeping together? / I'm a very old bachelor, with many whims; but I'm your brother, and I / don't know that there was ever an act of Parliament that we should / spend our lives on opposite shores of the Atlantic. The Athertons' / lease of our house is out next month, and I have a fancy for taking it / myself. We will call it merely an experiment, if you like; but I'm / tired of the way I live now. I'm growing gray, and I shall be / dreadfully glad to see you. We will make a real home of it, and see / something of each other; you must not ask for any more pathos than / this. Pick up whatever you can to make the house look fine, but don't / feel in the least obliged to come, or put it off until the spring. Do / just as you like. I hear the Duncans are coming home in October; / perhaps you could take passage on the same steamer. I can't believe it / is three years since I went over last. Do you think we shall know each / other? _"L'absence diminue les petits amours et augmente les grandes, / comme le vent qui eteint les bougies et rallume la feu. "_ I met that / sentiment in a story I was reading to-day, and I thought it would seem / very gallant and alluring if I put it into my letter. I think you will / not be homesick here: you will find more friends than seems possible / at first thought. I'm in a hurry to-day; but I'm none the less

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A Sorrowful Guest is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sarah Orne Jewett, dated 1894 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Sarah Orne Jewett
Date: 1894 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Historical Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Drama
Length: 11,811 words
Structure: 1 section, 72 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Literary Fiction — The narrative focuses on character development, emotional depth, and the exploration of complex themes such as loneliness, familial bonds, and the impact of war.
Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the mental state of Mr. Whiston, exploring themes of trauma, hallucination, and the effects of past experiences on present behavior.
Historical Fiction — Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War America, the story reflects on the societal and personal impacts of the war.
Gothic Fiction — Elements of the supernatural and psychological horror are present, particularly in Mr. Whiston's experiences with his deceased friend.