The Grave by the Handpost
The narrative unfolds in a rural English village during Christmas, where a choir sets out to sing carols. As they traverse the landscape, they encounter a grave being dug at a crossroads, where they learn that Sergeant Holway has committed suicide, driven to despair by a letter from his son, Luke, who is serving in the army. The sergeant had encouraged Luke to enlist, believing it would provide a better future, but Luke's letter reveals his deep unhappiness and regret for following his father's advice. The choir members, moved by the sergeant's tragic end, decide to honor him by singing a carol over his grave. Luke arrives shortly after the burial, distraught upon learning of his father's death. He blames himself for the tragedy and vows to honor his father's memory by ensuring he receives a proper burial in a churchyard rather than the unceremonious grave at the crossroads. Luke's request to move his father's body is met with complications, as the local rector is hesitant due to the circumstances of the burial. Despite the choir's initial willingness to help, they ultimately do not act on the plan, and the headstone meant for the sergeant remains unused, buried under leaves and neglect. Years later, Luke returns from military service, having distinguished himself in battle. He searches for his father's grave but finds it at the crossroads, a place he associates with shame. Overwhelmed by guilt and the weight of his father's legacy, he isolates himself in a cottage, avoiding connections with others. On Christmas, he hears the familiar carols sung by the choir, which remind him of his father's burial. The following day, he is found dead by suicide at the same crossroads, leaving behind a note expressing his wish to be buried beside his father. However, the note is overlooked, and he is buried in the churchyard, further complicating the connection between father and son. The story explores themes of regret, familial duty, and the impact of societal expectations on personal identity.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1865 · Genre: Tragedy, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction · 5,107 words
First lines
I never pass through Chalk-Newton without turning to regard the neighbouring upland, at a point where a lane crosses the lone straight highway dividing this from the next parish; a sight which does not fail to recall the event that once happened there; and, though it may seem superfluous, at this date, to disinter more memories of village history, the whispers of that spot may claim to be preserved.
What this Textopian page supports
The Grave by the Handpost is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Hardy, dated 1865 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: 1865 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Tragedy, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 5,107 words
- Structure: 1 section, 87 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Grave by the Handpost by Thomas Hardy
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Grave by the Handpost?
- How does this short story by Thomas Hardy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Tragedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Tragedy — The narrative centers around themes of despair, loss, and the consequences of choices, culminating in the tragic fate of Sergeant Holway and his son.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex characters and moral dilemmas, focusing on human emotions and societal issues.
- Historical Fiction — Set against the backdrop of early 19th-century England, it reflects historical contexts such as military service and societal norms.
- Gothic Fiction — Elements of death, burial, and the supernatural are present, contributing to a somber and eerie atmosphere.
Tags
Tragic Love Story · Romanticism · Victorian Era · English Literature · Poetic Prose · Melancholy · Loss of Innocence · Coming of Age · Social Class · Love Triangle · Forbidden Love · Moral Ambiguity