Themes and Symbolism
This theme in the story is embodied by Professor Parkins' initial disbelief in the supernatural.
What is skepticism?
This character, a Cambridge academic, embodies skepticism and rationalism.
Who is Professor Parkins?
The whistle was found by Parkins while investigating this type of site.
What is an archaeological site?
The story is often read as a critique of this intellectual trait, exemplified by Parkins.
What is intellectual hubris?
The story takes place in this type of coastal English town.
What is a seaside town?
The whistle represents this dangerous consequence of curiosity and human meddling.
What are unintended consequences?
This character contrasts with Parkins through his belief in local superstitions and plays a crucial role in the climax.
Who is Colonel Wilson?
Blowing the whistle causes this natural phenomenon to manifest, hinting at the supernatural’s intrusion
What is a mysterious wind?
The 1968 adaptation of the story was part of this BBC series
What is Omnibus?
Professor Parkins is staying at this type of lodging during his trip
What is an inn?
The desolate beach in the story serves as this type of space, bridging the natural and supernatural worlds.
What is a liminal space?
This person provides a grounding presence, managing the inn where much of the story’s action unfolds.
Who is the innkeeper?
The whistle’s discovery and its effects symbolize this clash of worldviews.
What is rationalism vs. the supernatural?
Critics often compare the story’s theme of enlightenment through supernatural experience to this Shakespearean play
What is Hamlet?
The eerie events begin when Parkins discovers the whistle in this specific location.
What is the beach?
The inscription on the whistle, "Quis est iste qui venit?" translates to this chilling question.
What is “Who is this who is coming?”
Professor Parkins finds this mysterious object on the beach, which triggers the supernatural events.
What is the whistle?
This eerie phrase inscribed on the whistle reflects the story’s focus on the unknowable.
What is “Who is this who is coming?”
The 2010 adaptation replaced the whistle with this object, taking creative liberties with the source material.
What is a wedding ring?
The desolate beach represents this Gothic theme, tied to isolation and vulnerability.
What is loneliness or isolation?
The second bed appearing slept in symbolizes this theme of intrusion and the breaking of boundaries.
What is the intrusion of the supernatural?
The spectral figure summoned by the whistle is described with this ambiguous physical characteristic.
What are pale, fluttering draperies?
Parkins’ confrontation with the supernatural entity forces him to question these previously unshakable beliefs.
What are scientific rationalism and skepticism?
The story’s unresolved questions and ambiguity create this type of horror, leaving readers unsettled.
What is subtle or psychological horror?
This location, a boundary between land and sea, symbolizes the intersection of the natural and supernatural worlds.
What is the shoreline or liminal space?