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45 pages 1 hour read

Edgar Huntly: Or, Memoirs of a Sleepwalker

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1799

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Book Brief

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Charles Brockden Brown

Edgar Huntly

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1799
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pennsylvania • 1780s

Publication Year

1799

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Edgar Huntly: Or, Memoirs of a Sleepwalker by Charles Brockden Brown is an epistolary novel set in rural Pennsylvania in 1787, where Edgar Huntly writes letters to his fiancée, Mary Waldegrave. After discovering Clithero Edny sleepwalking and suspecting him of Mary's brother's murder, Edgar investigates him, leading to Clithero's confession of his troubled past and emigration from Ireland. Edgar's sleepwalking and confrontations with Native Americans further complicate the plot as he grapples with his own perceptions and the mysteries surrounding his family and Clithero's intentions.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Reviews for Edgar Huntly by Charles Brockden Brown describe it as a gripping Gothic tale merging psychological depth with early American settings. Critics praise its innovative narrative style and exploration of subconscious fears. However, some readers find the plot convoluted and the prose dense. Overall, it's valued for its literary significance despite occasional readability issues.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Edgar Huntly?

Edgar Huntly by Charles Brockden Brown will captivate readers who appreciate early American Gothic fiction, intricate narratives, and psychological depth. Fans of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Arthur Mervyn's Arthur Mervyn, who enjoy exploring themes of identity, sleepwalking, and frontier life, will find it especially engaging.

Character List

Edgar Huntly

The main first-person narrator of the story, who is engaged to Mary Waldegrave and investigates her brother’s death. He experiences sleepwalking episodes and becomes obsessed with a murder suspect.

An Irish immigrant working for Edgar’s neighbor and a sleepwalker himself, who narrates a story within the story. He becomes a central figure in Edgar's investigation due to his mysterious past.

Referred to as Sarsefield, this character is a surgeon and former tutor of Edgar who provides a stabilizing influence. He returns to America after Edgar’s disappearance and becomes involved in recovering important documents.

Edgar’s uncle’s closest neighbor and employer of Clithero, who assists Edgar and Sarsefield throughout the story. He provides support to Edgar’s family and guidance in their time of need.

An antagonist in Clithero's narrative, regarded as dissolute and disruptive. His relationship with his twin sister Euphemia plays a significant role in the conflict of Clithero's past.

Arthur Wiatte’s twin sister and Sarsefield’s love interest, who financially supports those around her. Her life intertwines with key events in the narrative of Clithero and has a lasting impact.

Raised by Euphemia and beloved by Clithero, she is mistakenly endangered due to her uncle's malice. Her resemblance to Euphemia confounds Clithero’s recollection and judgment.

Fiancée to Edgar and the recipient of his narrative letter, absent from the direct storyline but integral as the audience of Edgar's writings. She represents a distant yet influencing presence.

Mary's brother whose earlier death sets off the chain of investigations led by Edgar. Known for his early philosophical views, his past and possessions become central to Edgar’s inquiries.

A merchant claiming rights to the money entrusted to Waldegrave, which complicates Edgar's engagement plans. His fleeting involvement influences Edgar’s sleepwalking episodes.

Edgar’s uncle and father figure who takes him in after the death of Edgar’s parents. Known for his past military career and roles of guidance and protection in Edgar’s life.

A Native American woman referred to by Edgar with a nickname derived from literature. Her residence becomes a scene of conflict and holds symbolic importance.

A collection of mostly unnamed Pennsylvania settlers and Native Americans who exist on the periphery of the story. Their interactions with Edgar provide a broader social context to the narrative.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pennsylvania • 1780s

Publication Year

1799

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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