The Vampirine Fair by Thomas Hardy
The narrative follows a woman who is torn between her duty to her husband, Gilbert, who is away in India, and the passionate advances of another man, referred to as "my lord." Despite her marital commitment, she finds herself drawn to her lord's affections, which lead to a complex relationship filled with emotional turmoil. As her lord's love for her intensifies, he becomes increasingly ill, suffering from unrequited feelings while Gilbert remains absent. The woman grapples with her loyalty to Gilbert and the allure of her lord's wealth and status. When Gilbert returns, the woman and her lord devise a plan to ensure Gilbert's comfort, leading to a series of manipulations that benefit her family at Gilbert's expense. Over time, the woman's actions contribute to her lord's financial ruin, and he becomes despondent, ultimately taking his own life. In the aftermath, she experiences regret and sorrow for the destruction she has caused, despite her newfound wealth and social standing with Gilbert. The story concludes with her reflecting on her past choices, mourning her lord's death, and acknowledging the emotional conflict that remains within her. The themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of desire are central to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1891 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Tragedy · 1,019 words
First lines
GILBERT had sailed to India's shore, / And I was all alone: / My lord came in at my open door / And said, "O fairest one!"
He leant upon the slant bureau, / And sighed, "I am sick for thee! " / "My lord," said I, "pray speak not so, / Since wedded wife I be."
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, longing, and emotional conflict align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Tragedy — The narrative involves themes of loss, despair, and the tragic consequences of love.
- Victorian Literature — The work reflects the social and moral concerns of the Victorian era.
Tags
vampire · fair · gothic · supernatural · romance · mystery · dark · fantasy · literature · 19th century · English · novel
What this Textopian page supports
The Vampirine Fair is listed on Textopian as a novella by Thomas Hardy, dated 1891 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Tragedy, Victorian Literature, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 1,019 words
- Structure: 1 section, 27 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Vampirine Fair by Thomas Hardy
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