Of don Juan Manuel
A wealthy gentleman, notorious for his penchant for murder, roams the streets at night, killing unsuspecting victims after asking them the time. His life takes a tragic turn when he accidentally kills his beloved nephew, leading him to seek redemption through confession. The priest imposes a penance: to walk to a chapel at midnight and pray. However, haunted by the voices of his victims and the sound of a bell, he struggles to complete the penance. Each attempt ends in failure as fear overwhelms him. Ultimately, he perseveres and reaches the chapel, kneeling beneath the gallows. The next morning, the city is shocked to find him dead, hanged by angels as punishment for his sins.
By Thomas A. Janvier · First published 1902 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Tragedy, Moral Tale · 1,254 words
First lines
This Don Juan Manuel, Senor, was a rich and worthy gentleman who had the bad vice of killing people. Every night at eleven o'clock, when the Palace clock was striking, he went out from his magnificent house -- as you know, Senor, it still is standing in the street that has been named after him -- all muffled in his cloak, and under it his dagger in his hand.[1]
What this Textopian page supports
Of don Juan Manuel is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas A. Janvier, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas A. Janvier
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Tragedy, Moral Tale, Historical Fiction, Dark Fantasy
- Length: 1,254 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Of don Juan Manuel by Thomas A. Janvier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Of don Juan Manuel?
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- The Athenian And The Theban by Esopo
Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The story features dark themes, supernatural elements, and a focus on death and moral consequences.
- Tragedy — The narrative centers on the downfall of Don Juan Manuel due to his violent actions and the tragic consequences of his sins.
- Moral Tale — The story conveys moral lessons about sin, guilt, and the quest for redemption.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a historical context, it reflects societal norms and values of the time regarding justice and morality.
Tags
literature · Spanish literature · medieval · short stories · fables · morality · allegory · narrative · character study · historical context · cultural analysis · ethics