The Knight's Return by C.J. Dennis

Name: The Knight's Return
Author: C.J. Dennis

The narrative follows a knight returning home after a tumultuous adventure, reflecting on his experiences and the contrast between the romanticized ideals of knighthood and the realities of domestic life. The protagonist grapples with feelings of guilt and anxiety about how to explain his injuries to his wife, Doreen. He recalls the tales of knights who return to their beloveds, but he feels unworthy and conflicted about his actions. As he travels home, he encounters a former adversary, Danny Dunn, who expresses remorse for their previous altercation. This meeting stirs a mix of emotions in the protagonist, leading him to contemplate his own choices and the implications of his return. He worries about how to maintain his wife's trust while concealing the truth about his escapades. Upon arriving home, Doreen's concern for his well-being prompts him to fabricate a story about a dental mishap to explain his injuries. Initially relieved by her sympathy, he soon feels a pang of guilt for deceiving her. The protagonist reflects on the moral implications of his lie, recognizing that dishonesty undermines the foundation of their relationship. The poem explores themes of honor, trust, and the complexities of marital life. The protagonist's internal conflict highlights the tension between societal expectations of masculinity and the vulnerability that comes with love and commitment. Ultimately, he grapples with the realization that true integrity in a relationship requires transparency and accountability, leaving him to ponder the consequences of his actions and the nature of his identity as both a knight and a husband.

By C.J. Dennis · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Drama · 1,557 words

First lines

The conq'rin' 'ero! Me? Yes, I don't think. This mornin' when I catch the train fer 'ome, It's far more like a walloped pup I slink To kennel, with resolves no more to roam. Crusades is orf. I'm fer the simple life, 'Ome with me trustin' wife All safe frum strife.

I've read uv knights returnin' full uv gyp, Back to the bewchus lady in the tower. They never seemed to git dumestic pip In them brave days when knighthood was in flower. But times is changed; an' 'usbands 'as to leed; Fer knight'ood's run to seed; It 'as indeed.

What this Textopian page supports

The Knight's Return is listed on Textopian as a short story by C.J. Dennis, dated 1935 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: C.J. Dennis
Date: 1935 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Humor, Drama, Romance, Narrative
Length: 1,557 words
Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
Humor — The poem contains comedic elements, particularly in the protagonist's self-deprecating humor and the absurdity of his situation.
Drama — The narrative explores emotional conflict and personal dilemmas, characteristic of dramatic literature.
Romance — The themes of love and trust within a marriage are central to the plot.