# Two Days' Solitary Imprisonment

_1898_

By Edward Bellamy.

"Two Days' Solitary Imprisonment" by Edward Bellamy is a short story written in the late 19th century that explores themes of suspicion and the fragility of human relationships under pressure. The narrative centers on Mr. Joseph Kilgore, a man who falls victim to a chain of circumstances that lead to unfounded suspicion surrounding a murder that occurs near him. The story begins with Joseph feeling unwell and reading a gripping detective novel about circumstantial evidence. Unbeknownst to him, a murder occurs in his brother's barn, which thrusts him into a turmoil of emotional and psychological distress as he grapples with the fear of being wrongfully accused. As the plot unfolds, the weight of suspicion grows between Joseph and his brother Silas, resulting in a silent tension that complicates familial bonds. Joseph's initial anxiety morphs into a nightmare of isolation, revealing the destructive power of unfounded belief and the impact of imagined guilt. Finally, when the true murderer is revealed, Joseph's relief is overshadowed by the harsh reality of interpersonal dynamics and the emotional scars left by their unfounded fears. (Summary by Project Gutenberg, written by machine.)

- Language: English
- Subjects: Short stories; United States -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction

[Read it](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/books/gutenberg/22706/read)
[Plain text](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/api/books/gutenberg/22706/text)

From Project Gutenberg. Public domain in the United States.