Elsie Venner
An Exploration of Heredity, Morality, and the Supernatural in 19th-Century New EnglandBy Oliver Wendell Holmes
Length13h 56m
About this audiobook
In "Elsie Venner," Oliver Wendell Holmes intertwines psychological depth with a rich narrative style reflective of the era'Äôs romanticism and emerging realism. Set in the academic backdrop of 19th century New England, the novel explores complex themes of identity, nature vs. nurture, and the intersection of science and superstition. Holmes employs vivid characterizations and intricate plot developments to craft a compelling tale centered on the enigmatic Elsie, a young woman grappling with her unique heritage and the societal expectations surrounding it. The book delves into the moral dilemmas of its time, making it a significant commentary on the interplay between human emotions and societal constructs. Oliver Wendell Holmes, a prominent figure in American literature and a contemporary of the Transcendentalists, drew from both his medical background and his keen observations of human behavior. His experiences as a physician profoundly informed his depiction of Elsie, blending a nuanced understanding of human psychology with the philosophical inquiries of the day. Holmes'Äôs position within the Boston intellectual elite provided a fertile ground for his exploration of social themes, reflecting the changing cultural landscape of post-Civil War America. "Elsie Venner" is highly recommended for readers interested in the psychological dimensions of character-driven narratives. Holmes'Äôs innovative blend of Gothic elements with philosophical depth invites contemporary audiences to engage with the timeless issues of identity and belonging. This novel not only provides an engrossing story but also serves as a critical lens through which to examine the societal values of both the past and present.
Audiobook details
GenreHorror, Mystery and Thriller
Length13 hrs 56 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 27, 2019
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1PREFACE.
19CHAPTER XVI. EPISTOLARY.: Mr. Langdon to the Professor.
2A SECOND PREFACE.
20CHAPTER XVII. OLD SOPHY CALLS ON THE REVEREND DOCTOR.
3PREFACE TO THE NEW EDITION.
21CHAPTER XVIII. THE REVEREND DOCTOR CALLS ON BROTHER FAIRWEATHER.
4CHAPTER I. THE BRAHMIN CASTE OF NEW ENGLAND.
22CHAPTER XIX. THE SPIDER ON HIS THREAD.
5CHAPTER II. THE STUDENT AND HIS CERTIFICATE.
23CHAPTER XX. FROM WITHOUT AND FROM WITHIN.
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6CHAPTER III. MR. BERNARD TRIES HIS HAND.
24CHAPTER XXI. THE WIDOW ROWENS GIVES A TEA-PARTY.
7CHAPTER IV. THE MOTH FLIES INTO THE CANDLE.
25CHAPTER XXII. WHY DOCTORS DIFFER.
8CHAPTER V. AN OLD-FASHIONED DESCRIPTIVE CHAPTER.
26CHAPTER XXIII. THE WILD HUNTSMAN.
9CHAPTER VI. THE SUNBEAM AND THE SHADOW.
27CHAPTER XXIV. ON HIS TRACKS.
10CHAPTER VII. THE EVENT OF THE SEASON.
28CHAPTER XXV. THE PERILOUS HOUR.
11CHAPTER VIII. THE MORNING AFTER.
29CHAPTER XXVI. THE NEWS REACHES THE DUDLEY MANSION.
12CHAPTER IX. THE DOCTOR ORDERS THE BEST SULKY. (With a Digression on “Hired Help.”): “ABEL! Slip Cassia into the new sulky, and fetch her round.”
30CHAPTER XXVII. A SOUL IN DISTRESS.
13CHAPTER X. THE DOCTOR CALLS ON ELSIE VENNER.
31CHAPTER XXVIII. THE SECRET IS WHISPERED.
14CHAPTER XI. COUSIN RICHARD'S VISIT.
32CHAPTER XXIX. THE WHITE ASH.
15CHAPTER XII. THE APOLLINEAN INSTITUTE. (With Extracts from the “Reporto f the committee.”)
33CHAPTER XXX. THE GOLDEN CORD IS LOOSED.
16CHAPTER XIII. CURIOSITY.
34CHAPTER XXXI. MR. SILAS PECKHAM RENDERS HIS ACCOUNT.
17CHAPTER XIV. FAMILY SECRETS.
35CHAPTER XXXII. CONCLUSION.
18CHAPTER XV. PHYSIOLOGICAL.
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