“The White People” by Arthur Machen is a horror short story that has been described as an important example of horror fiction, influencing generations of later writers. The story follows the journey of a young girl who stumbles upon a strange brook that leads her into a bizarre valley populated by heavy thickets and carved monoliths representing grotesque heads and monsters. As she sits amongst them, they start to spin and dance overhead, enchanting her.
However, “The White People” is not just a horror story. It is also an allegory that explores deeper themes of purity, rebirth, and spiritual pilgrimage. The color white, which is often associated with purity and virginity, plays a significant role in the story. The young girl’s journey into the valley can be seen as a symbol of her spiritual journey towards enlightenment and rebirth. Through the use of allegory, Machen invites readers to explore the deeper meanings behind the story and to draw their own conclusions about the themes presented.
Origins of ‘The White People’
“The White People” is a horror short story written by Welsh author Arthur Machen in the late 1890s. The story was first published in 1904 in Horlick’s Magazine, edited by Machen’s friend A. E. Waite, and later reprinted in Machen’s collection The House of Souls (1906).
The story has since been described as an important example of horror fiction, influencing generations of later writers. The story follows a narrator who discovers a manuscript written by a young girl who describes her experiences with a mysterious group of beings known as “The White People.”
Machen’s story was likely influenced by his interest in the occult and his fascination with Celtic mythology. The story’s themes of hidden knowledge and the supernatural were common in Machen’s other works, which often explored the idea of the unknown and the inexplicable.
The Allegory Unveiled
Cultural Significance
“The White People” is a short story by Arthur Machen that is often read as an allegory for the dangers of pursuing knowledge without considering the consequences. The story follows a young girl who becomes obsessed with a mysterious book that describes a hidden world of supernatural beings known as “the white people.” The girl’s curiosity leads her to explore this world, but she ultimately discovers that the white people are dangerous and malevolent.
The allegory in “The White People” is significant because it highlights the dangers of unchecked curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. The story suggests that there are some things that are better left unknown and that the pursuit of knowledge can lead to destruction and chaos.
Historical Context
“The White People” was written in 1899, a time when the world was undergoing significant changes due to advancements in science and technology. The story can be seen as a response to the growing interest in the occult and supernatural that was prevalent at the time.
The story also reflects the anxieties and fears of the Victorian era, a time when social norms and values were changing rapidly. The story’s emphasis on the dangers of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge can be seen as a reflection of the Victorian belief in the importance of restraint and self-control.
Main Themes Explained
Innocence and Corruption
One of the main themes of “The White People” is the idea of innocence and corruption. The protagonist, a young girl, is initially portrayed as innocent and pure, but as the story progresses, she becomes corrupted by the supernatural forces around her. This corruption is represented by the white people, who are described as being both beautiful and evil. The girl’s corruption is further emphasized by the fact that she is the one telling the story, which implies that she has already been corrupted by the time she is recounting her experiences.
Nature Versus Civilization
Another theme in “The White People” is the conflict between nature and civilization. The story takes place in a rural setting, where the natural world is portrayed as being both beautiful and dangerous. The white people, who represent the supernatural, are associated with the natural world, while the protagonist’s family represents civilization. The conflict between these two forces is a central theme of the story, as the girl is torn between her loyalty to her family and her fascination with the white people.
The Supernatural
The supernatural is a major theme of “The White People.” The white people themselves are supernatural beings, and their presence in the story creates an atmosphere of mystery and unease. The girl’s fascination with the white people is also a supernatural element, as it is implied that they have some sort of power over her. The story is full of supernatural imagery, such as the girl’s visions of the white people dancing in the moonlight. Overall, the supernatural is an important aspect of the story, and it helps to create a sense of otherworldliness and mystery that is central to the narrative.
Character Analysis
The Protagonist’s Journey
The protagonist of “The White People” is a young girl who is introduced to a secret world of magic and mystery. She is initially hesitant to explore this world, but her curiosity eventually leads her to become fully immersed in it. Throughout the story, she undergoes a transformation from a naive and innocent child to a knowledgeable and powerful figure.
Supporting Characters’ Roles
The supporting characters in “The White People” play important roles in the protagonist’s journey. The mysterious and powerful woman who introduces the protagonist to the secret world serves as a mentor and guide. The other characters in the story, including the protagonist’s family and the creatures she encounters in the secret world, all contribute to her growth and development.
Literary Devices in the Narrative
Symbolism
The White People is a narrative that is rich in symbolism. The author uses various symbols to represent the different themes and ideas in the story. One of the most prominent symbols in the narrative is the color white. The color white is used to represent purity, innocence, and goodness. The author uses this symbol to contrast the evil and darkness that is present in the story.
Metaphor
Metaphor is another literary device that is used in The White People. The author uses metaphors to create vivid images in the reader’s mind. For example, the author uses the metaphor of a “great white bird” to describe the protagonist’s journey. This metaphor is used to represent the protagonist’s journey towards purity and goodness.
Irony
Irony is also present in The White People. The author uses irony to create a sense of tension and suspense in the story. One example of irony in the narrative is the fact that the protagonist’s journey towards goodness and purity ultimately leads to her downfall. This irony is used to highlight the fact that sometimes, even the noblest of intentions can have unintended consequences.
Interpretations and Criticisms
Modern Reception
Since its publication, “The White People” has been the subject of much critical analysis and interpretation. The story’s complex themes and allegorical elements have made it a favorite among literary scholars and enthusiasts alike. In recent years, the story has seen renewed interest and popularity, with many readers praising it for its haunting and thought-provoking qualities.
Critical Perspectives
Despite its acclaim, “The White People” has also faced criticism for its portrayal of race and gender. Some readers have argued that the story’s use of allegory and symbolism is problematic, and that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and tropes. Others have criticized the story for its lack of diversity and representation, pointing out that it reflects a narrow and exclusionary worldview.
Influence on Later Works
Arthur Machen’s “The White People” has been widely regarded as an important example of horror fiction, influencing generations of later writers. The story’s use of allegory and symbolism has been particularly influential. Many writers in the horror and fantasy genres have emulated Machen’s use of the supernatural as a means of exploring deeper philosophical and psychological themes.
One of the most notable examples of Machen’s influence can be seen in the work of H.P. Lovecraft. Lovecraft was an avid fan of Machen’s writing, and “The White People” in particular had a profound impact on his own work. Lovecraft’s stories often feature similar themes of ancient, malevolent entities lurking just beyond the edges of human perception, and his use of cosmic horror owes a great deal to Machen’s influence.
Other writers who have been influenced by “The White People” include Neil Gaiman, Clive Barker, and Stephen King. These writers have all cited Machen as a major influence on their own work, and have incorporated many of the same themes and motifs into their own stories. In particular, Machen’s use of allegory and symbolism has been an enduring legacy, inspiring writers to explore deeper philosophical and psychological themes in their own work.
Adaptations and References
“The White People” has been referenced and adapted in various forms of media. For instance, the short story was adapted into a 1987 British television film called “A View from a Hill.” The film was directed by Lawrence Gordon Clark and starred Peter Benson and Angela Thorne. The adaptation was generally well received, and it was praised for its eerie atmosphere and its faithfulness to the source material.
The story has also been referenced in other works of literature. For example, H.P. Lovecraft referenced “The White People” in his short story “The Dunwich Horror.” Lovecraft was a fan of James’ work, and he was heavily influenced by it. In “The Dunwich Horror,” Lovecraft references the “Aklo language,” which is a fictional language that James created for “The White People.”
In addition to these adaptations and references, “The White People” has also influenced the horror genre as a whole. The story’s themes of the supernatural, the unknown, and the mysterious have become staples of horror fiction. Many horror writers cite James as an influence, and his work continues to be read and studied today.