A Tragedy of High Explosives
The novel revolves around a catastrophic event that occurs when a group of people attempt to steal high explosives from a military base. The story explores the consequences of their actions and the subsequent chaos that ensues. The narrative delves into the characters' motivations, relationships, and backstories as they navigate the aftermath of the explosion. It also examines the societal impact of such an event, including the response of authorities and the public's reaction to the disaster. Throughout the book, themes of power, control, and the human condition are explored in the face of catastrophic failure. The author presents a nuanced portrayal of the characters' experiences, highlighting their individual struggles and emotional responses to the tragedy. The novel ultimately raises questions about the nature of responsibility, accountability, and the consequences of one's actions.
By Brainard Gardner Smith · First published 1940 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Drama · 5 chapters · 14,121 words
First lines
In the course of my work last year I had occasion to go over a file of old Liverpool newspapers, and thus came upon a remarkable paragraph in the ship news. Translated out of the language of commerce, it was to the effect that the good ship _Empress_, just arrived from Australia, reported that while rounding the Cape of Good Hope she had been driven southward far out of her course by a storm; and that away down in the Southern Atlantic had sighted a vessel drifting aimlessly about. The first mate boarded her, and, returning, reported that the derelict was the ship _Albatross_. That she had been abandoned was plain, for all the boats were gone, and so were the log and the ship's instruments. On the deck, close by the companion hatch, lay two bodies, or rather skeletons, clad in weather-rotted garments, that showed them to have been man and woman. These bodies were headless, but the heads were nowhere to be found on the deserted deck.
What this Textopian page supports
A Tragedy of High Explosives is listed on Textopian as a play by Brainard Gardner Smith, dated 1940 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: Brainard Gardner Smith
- Date: 1940 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Drama, War, Thriller
- Length: 14,121 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 166 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Tragedy of High Explosives by Brainard Gardner Smith
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is set against a historical backdrop, incorporating real events and figures into its narrative.
- Adventure — The plot involves high-stakes scenarios and thrilling exploits, characteristic of adventure stories.
- Drama — The narrative focuses on intense emotional and relational conflicts, typical of dramatic literature.
- War — The themes and setting are heavily influenced by wartime events and military elements.
Tags
Dystopian Fiction · Science Fiction · Thriller · Action Adventure · High Octane Plot · Explosive Confrontations · Tense Atmosphere · Rapid Pacing · Plot Twists · Surprise Endings · Social Commentary · Critique of Power