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Cover of The Revealing Pattern

The Revealing Pattern

Written by Alvin Heiner

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Science FictionShort storiesNew EnglandHaunted housesLibrarians

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About this book

"The Revealing Pattern" by Alvin Heiner is a short story that delves into the intersections of superstition, history, and human behavior, likely written in the early 1950s. This tale unfolds in a library, where we meet Professor Jonathan Waits, a researcher dedicated to debunking the myths surrounding the notorious Reamer mansion, a house with a violent past that has left it vacant for years due to local superstitions. Waits aims to prove that the misfortunes associated with the mansion are not the house's fault but rather the result of the individuals who have lived there. The narrative centers around Professor Waits as he engages with the librarian, Miss Hopstead, and attempts to uncover the truth behind the mansion's history. Through their conversations, it is revealed that many tragic events have occurred in the Reamer mansion, including murders and mysterious deaths. Waits believes that understanding the past actions of individuals connected to the mansion will dispel the fears that have rendered it abandoned. However, the story takes a turn when Waits dies after an accident at the mansion, leading to his friend Nicholas Worthy continuing his work. This twist raises questions about fate, knowledge, and the consequences of exploring dark histories, ultimately suggesting that the patterns of danger and tragedy are interlinked with both human actions and the settings in which those actions unfold.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Revealing Pattern, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 2 hours
  • intermediate
  • Mysterious
  • Dark
  • Suspenseful

Alvin Heiner's "The Revealing Pattern" is a concise 1950s short story exploring the tension between rational inquiry and persistent superstition. It follows Professor Jonathan Waits, a researcher determined to debunk the myths surrounding the Reamer mansion, a house notorious for tragic events and local fears. Through his investigation with librarian Miss Hopstead, Waits uncovers a history of violence and misfortune, aiming to prove human actions, not supernatural forces, are responsible. However, Waits' own death at the mansion shifts the narrative, raising profound questions about fate, the nature of evil, and whether some patterns of tragedy are inescapable, regardless of rational explanation, as his friend Nicholas Worthy continues the fraught investigation.

“It is not the house that is cursed, Miss Hopstead, but the deeds of men within its walls; a pattern of human failing, not supernatural malice.”

Key themes

Superstition vs. Rationality
This is the central thematic conflict, embodied by Professor Waits' mission to scientifically debunk the myths surrounding the Reamer mansion. The story explores the human need to categorize and explain phenomena, contrasting rational historical analysis with deeply ingrained local superstitions and fears. Waits' ultimate demise ironically questions the absolute supremacy of rational thought when faced with seemingly persistent, inexplicable patterns of tragedy.
The Nature of Evil and Tragedy
The story deeply probes whether evil or tragedy is inherent in a place, or purely a consequence of human actions. Waits initially champions the latter, but the 'revealing pattern' of misfortune, culminating in his own death, suggests a more complex interplay. It questions if certain environments can somehow foster or attract tragedy, or if the accumulation of past horrors leaves an indelible mark.
The Pursuit of Knowledge and its Consequences
Professor Waits is driven by an insatiable desire for knowledge and truth, specifically to expose the 'truth' behind the mansion's reputation. The story highlights the dedication required for such a pursuit but also underscores its potential dangers. Waits' death, and Nicholas Worthy's continuation, imply that some truths are perilous, and the act of uncovering them can have unforeseen and fatal consequences, blurring the line between enlightenment and peril.

Worth discussing

To what extent does 'The Revealing Pattern' argue for or against the existence of supernatural curses? What evidence supports each side?

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