A Committeeman of "the Terror"
The narrative unfolds in a coastal town during the early 19th century, where a group of friends reminisces about the town's past. An elderly woman recounts a poignant story from her youth involving a French governess, Mademoiselle V, and a mysterious man, a former member of the Committee of Public Safety during the French Revolution. The story begins with the arrival of the man, who is seeking obscurity and a new life after the turmoil of his past. He encounters Mademoiselle V, who is horrified to see him, recognizing him as the man responsible for the execution of her family during the Revolution. Despite her initial fear and disdain, their interactions reveal a complex emotional landscape. The man, now living in exile, expresses regret for the past but maintains that his actions were driven by a sense of duty. As they continue to meet, Mademoiselle V grapples with her feelings towards him. She is torn between her hatred for his past actions and a growing sympathy for his current plight. The tension escalates with the renewal of hostilities between France and England, which heightens the scrutiny on foreigners in the town. The man proposes marriage as a means of escape for both, suggesting they could start anew in Canada. Mademoiselle V is initially shocked by the proposal but finds herself increasingly drawn to him. However, her internal conflict intensifies as she receives a letter from a friend, reminding her of the atrocities committed by the man she is considering marrying. This leads her to question her decision and ultimately decide to flee rather than marry him. In a twist of fate, both characters unknowingly board the same coach to leave the town, each believing they are making a separate choice. The man, feeling the weight of their shared history, decides to release her from their engagement, believing it would be wrong to bind her to a past that haunts them both. The story concludes with Mademoiselle V returning to her life as a governess, forever marked by her experiences. She reflects on her lost love and the man who was both her family's executioner and her would-be husband, leaving her to ponder the complexities of love, duty, and the scars of history.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1903 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama · 6,161 words
First lines
We had been talking of the Georgian glories of our old-fashioned watering-place, which now, with its substantial russet-red and dun brick buildings in the style of the year eighteen hundred, looks like one side of a Soho or Bloomsbury Street transported to the shore, and draws a smile from the modern tourist who has no eye for solidity of build. The writer, quite a youth, was present merely as a listener. The conversation proceeded from general subjects to particular, until old Mrs. H -- -- , whose memory was as perfect at eighty as it had ever been in her life, interested us all by the obvious fidelity with which she repeated a story many times related to her by her mother when our aged friend was a girl -- a domestic drama much affecting the life of an acquaintance of her said parent, one Mademoiselle V -- -- , a teacher of French. The incidents occurred in the town during the heyday of its fortunes, at the time of our brief peace with France in 1802-–-3.
What this Textopian page supports
A Committeeman of "the Terror" is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Hardy, dated 1903 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 Hardy
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama, Literary Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 6,161 words
- Structure: 1 section, 121 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Committeeman of "the Terror" by Thomas Hardy
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Discussion starters
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- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set during a specific historical period, focusing on the aftermath of the French Revolution and its impact on personal lives.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around the complex romantic relationship between Mademoiselle V and the French tutor, highlighting themes of love, sacrifice, and moral conflict.
- Drama — The story contains intense emotional conflicts and character development, showcasing the struggles of the protagonists against societal and personal dilemmas.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is reflective and character-driven, focusing on the inner thoughts and moral complexities of the characters.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Social Commentary · Satire · Politics · Power Struggle · Corruption · Morality · Ethics · Society · Class System · Economy · Government