A Boy's Grave (February, 1918)
A BOY'S GRAVE (_February, 1918_) by E.W. Hornung is a short story about a young boy who dies during World War I and the impact his death has on those around him. The story explores themes of grief, loss, and the devastating effects of war on individuals and communities.
By E.W. Hornung · First published 1918 · Genre: War Literature, Historical Fiction, Drama · 4,569 words
First lines
Somewhere in Flanders there was a ruined _estaminet_, with an early trench running round it, that I longed to see for the sake of a grave in a farm-yard not far behind. The grave itself was known to be obliterated. Though dug very deep by men who loved the boy they laid there at dead of night, and though the Sergeant (who loved him most) could say what a strong cross they had placed over it, the grave was so situated, and the whole position so continuously under fire, that official registration was never possible, nor any further reassurance to be had. The boy's Division went out of the Line, and at length went back into another sector; but more than one officer who knew his people, and one brave friend who had only heard of them, searched the spot without avail.
What this Textopian page supports
A Boy's Grave (February, 1918) is listed on Textopian as a short story by E.W. Hornung, dated 1918 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: E.W. Hornung
- Date: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: War Literature, Historical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 4,569 words
- Structure: 1 section, 43 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Boy's Grave (February, 1918) by E.W. Hornung
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Boy's Grave (February, 1918)?
- How does this short story by E.W. Hornung fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does War Literature first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- War Literature — The narrative is set during a time of war and explores the experiences and consequences of war.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical period and incorporates real historical events and figures.
- Drama — The narrative focuses on emotional experiences and conflicts, often involving intense character development and interactions.
Tags
mystery · historical fiction · World War I · grave · death · loss · suspense · adventure · friendship · betrayal · courage · survival