The Passing

Name: The Passing
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The narrative unfolds in a hauntingly ethereal atmosphere, where a man grapples with the loss of his beloved, who returns to him in a spectral form during the early dawn. The girl, who has passed away, beckons him to join her, expressing her longing and the bond that transcends death. She reveals that he possesses a "triple key" that can unlock the gate separating them, urging him to embrace the pain of death for the promise of reunion. As he contemplates the means to end his life—through a pistol, a knife, or a potion—fear grips him, and he struggles to act. In a moment of despair, he looks to her for guidance, and she reappears, embodying the grace and tenderness he once cherished. She reassures him, revealing that he has already crossed the threshold into the spirit realm without realizing it. The narrative shifts as she explains that the physical body is merely a vessel, and he has shed it, carrying only the essence of his being into the afterlife. She encourages him to let go of earthly attachments and embrace the freedom of their new existence. The couple, now united in spirit, prepares to journey together into a realm of clarity and joy, leaving behind the burdens of their former lives. The story culminates in a poignant revelation: the man, in his despair, has already succumbed to death, lying lifeless with the pistol still in hand. The ethereal reunion serves as a metaphor for the enduring connection between love and loss, illustrating the transition from the physical to the spiritual and the idea that true love persists beyond the confines of mortality.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Supernatural, Romance · 1,358 words

First lines

It was the hour of dawn, When the heart beats thin and small, The window glimmered grey, Framed in a shadow wall.

And in the cold sad light Of the early morningtide, The dear dead girl came back And stood by his bedside.

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The Passing is listed on Textopian as a novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1893 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1893 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Supernatural, Romance, Gothic, Drama
Length: 1,358 words
Structure: 1 section, 39 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Supernatural — The themes involve the return of a deceased loved one and the exploration of life after death.
Romance — The central focus is on the love between the living and the dead, highlighting emotional connections.
Gothic — The atmosphere is dark and eerie, with themes of death and the macabre.