The Signal-Man by Charles Dickens

Author: Charles Dickens | Published: 1866

The Signal-Man Synopsis

"The Signal-Man" is a short story by English author Charles Dickens, first published in 1866. This short story is a part of Mugby Junction's short stories series. This particular work has been adapted into film and television, the most famous being the 1972 movie The Signalman.

The story begins with the perspective of an unnamed narrator who meets the signal-man while traveling on the railway cutting. The signal-man tells the narrator that he has witnessed a ghost on three separate occasions and that a deadly train crash has followed each occurrence. Though the narrator is Initially doubtful, he gradually becomes more convinced that the signal-man is telling the truth. Tragically, the story concludes with the signalman's demise in a train accident.

Excerpt from The Signal-Man Online Book

“HALLOA! Below there!”

When he heard a voice thus calling to him, he was standing at the door of his box, with a flag in his hand, furled round its short pole. One would have thought, considering the nature of the ground, that he could not have doubted from what quarter the voice came, but instead of looking up to where I stood on the top of the steep cutting nearly over his head, he turned himself about and looked down the Line.

About Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens was a celebrated English novelist, widely regarded as the greatest of the Victorian era. Born on February 7th, 1812, in Portsmouth, England, his novels and short stories continue to be read by millions worldwide today. He is well known for works such as Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, and Great Expectations. His works are renowned for their remarkable characters, intricate plots, and vivid description of both urban and rural life in 19th-century Britain. His writing often focused on poverty, injustice, and inequality. Find out more about Charles Dickens at sevenov.com.