Of the Calle De Los Parados
The narrative unfolds in a street named after two lovers who, after their tragic deaths, remain eternally at their posts, symbolizing unyielding devotion. The story is set in a time when a gentleman, an officer in the Royal Mint, lives with his beautiful daughter, Dona Maria Ysabel de Vallejo y Vezca. She is pursued by two suitors: Don Francisco, a handsome lieutenant, and Don Antonio, a wealthy count. Both men wait daily at the corners of the street to catch a glimpse of her, unaware of her internal deliberation regarding their affections. As time passes, a devastating pestilence strikes the city, claiming the life of Dona Maria. Neither suitor is present when she is taken for burial, leading them to continue their vigil, oblivious to her death. They remain steadfast at their corners, waiting for her return, even after they themselves die. Their spirits linger, and they are said to be seen by the townsfolk during a festival, but now they are mostly visible at night. The tale explores themes of love, loss, and the persistence of memory, illustrating how the lovers' devotion transcends death, turning them into spectral figures of longing. The street becomes a poignant reminder of their tragic fate, embodying the idea that true love endures beyond the grave. The narrative captures the essence of romantic idealism, juxtaposed with the harsh realities of life and death, leaving a haunting impression of eternal waiting and unfulfilled desires.
By Thomas A. Janvier · First published 1896 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction · 915 words
First lines
Two dead lovers, Senor, stand always in the Calle de los Parados, one at each end of it; and that is why -- because they remain steadfastly on parade there, though it is not everybody who happens to see their yellow skeletons on those corners -- the street of the Parados is so named.
What this Textopian page supports
Of the Calle De Los Parados is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas A. Janvier, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Fantasy
- Length: 915 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Of the Calle De Los Parados by Thomas A. Janvier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Of the Calle De Los Parados?
- How does this short story by Thomas A. Janvier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The story features themes of death, love, and the supernatural, with a haunting atmosphere surrounding the skeletal figures of the lovers.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around the unrequited love of two suitors for Dona Maria, highlighting themes of longing and devotion.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a historical context with references to societal customs and events of the past, it reflects the culture and norms of the time.
- Tragedy — The narrative culminates in the tragic deaths of the lovers and the enduring nature of their unfulfilled love.
Tags
urban life · street culture · historical fiction · American literature · cityscape · social commentary · immigrant experience · cultural identity · community · poverty · resilience · neighborhood dynamics