Gabriel-Ernest Terms

A bittern is a long-necked species of bird, part of the heron family. Van Cheele keeps a stuffed, or taxidermized, bittern as decoration in his study, showing his interest in nature—or at least his desire… read analysis of Stuffed Bittern

A mill-race is a fast-moving current of water, either manmade or redirected, which is used to turn a mill wheel. Because of this, it can be quite dangerous, leading some of the characters in “Gabriel-Ernest”… read analysis of Mill-Race

The parish council is the lowest level of local government in England. As a parish councillor, Van Cheele holds a position of power in his community. read analysis of Parish Councillor

A justice of the peace is a local magistrate who primarily deals in minor legal cases. Van Cheele’s position as a justice of the peace is prestigious but, the story implies, does not come with… read analysis of Justice of the Peace