A Tragedy by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The narrative unfolds in a desolate moorland setting, where a sense of foreboding permeates the atmosphere. The protagonist, a solitary figure, grapples with the haunting presence of shadows and echoes that suggest a deeper mystery. As the character traverses the landscape, they encounter ambiguous figures and disembodied calls, blurring the line between reality and illusion. The protagonist's journey is marked by an increasing sense of dread, as they are drawn to the unknown. The moorland serves as a character in itself, with its oppressive silence and darkened vistas amplifying the tension. The protagonist's horse, sensing danger, refuses to advance, symbolizing the instinctual fear that grips both man and beast. As the story progresses, the protagonist's curiosity compels them to confront the source of the unsettling calls and shadows. The narrative explores themes of isolation, the unknown, and the psychological impact of fear. The moorland, with its vast emptiness, reflects the internal turmoil of the protagonist, who is caught between the desire for understanding and the instinct to retreat. The climax builds as the protagonist approaches the ominous presence lying in the heather. The tension culminates in a revelation that intertwines the personal with the universal, exposing the fragility of human existence in the face of nature's indifference. The resolution leaves the reader contemplating the nature of fear, the unknown, and the inevitable confrontation with one's own demons. Ultimately, the work serves as a poignant exploration of the human condition, framed within a hauntingly atmospheric setting that evokes both beauty and terror. The interplay of light and shadow, along with the ambiguous figures, creates a rich tapestry of emotion and thought, inviting readers to reflect on their own encounters with the unknown.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Tragedy, Mystery · 213 words

First lines

Who's that walking on the moorland? Who's that moving on the hill? They are passing 'mid the bracken, But the shadows grow and blacken And I cannot see them clearly on the hill.

Who's that calling on the moorland? Who's that crying on the hill? Was it bird or was it human, Was it child, or man, or woman, Who was calling so sadly on the hill?

Who's that running on the moorland? Who's that flying on the hill? He is there-and there again, But you cannot see him plain, For the shadow lies so darkly on the hill.

What's that lying in the heather? What's that lurking on the hill? My horse will go no nearer, And I cannot see it clearer, But there's something that is lying on the hill.

What this Textopian page supports

A Tragedy is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1893 CE.

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

• Work type: Short story
• Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Date: 1893 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Poetry, Tragedy, Mystery, Romanticism, Gothic
• Length: 213 words
• Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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• Work identity for A Tragedy by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering A Tragedy?
• How does this short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

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Genres

• Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
• Tragedy — The themes of loss, mystery, and foreboding suggest a tragic narrative.
• Mystery — The presence of unanswered questions and an ominous atmosphere indicates elements of mystery.
• Romanticism — The focus on nature and emotional depth aligns with Romantic literary themes.

Tags

tragedy · mystery · poetry · nature · moorland · hill · shadows · darkness · suspense · human emotion · calling · crying

More by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

• The Parish Magazine (1914)
• The Great Brown-Pericord Motor (1914)
• The Holocaust of Manor Place (1901)
• The Debatable Case of Mrs. Emsley (1901)
• The Love Affair of George Vincent Parker (1901)
• The Disintegration Machine (1927)
• The Bully of Brocas Court (1914)
• The Brown Hand (1914)
• All works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle