Captain Orlando Killion

Name: Captain Orlando Killion
Author: Edgar Lee Masters

The poem presents the voice of a deceased captain reflecting on his life and the broader context of revolution and faith. He addresses young radicals and dreamers, urging them to approach his grave with respect and to consider the complexities of his existence. The captain juxtaposes his military service with his spiritual beliefs, asserting that these aspects of his identity are not mutually exclusive. He recalls a tumultuous time when a great people, driven by revolutionary fervor, faced the terrifying reality of their actions. The imagery of a centaur symbolizes the wild, uncontrollable nature of the revolution, suggesting both power and danger. The captain expresses a sense of being swept away by the collective momentum of history, grappling with his own beliefs amidst the chaos. The poem explores themes of faith, duty, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in times of upheaval. The captain's internal conflict highlights the struggle between personal convictions and the demands of leadership during a revolutionary period. He questions how he could reconcile his role as a military leader with his doubts and blasphemies, ultimately suggesting that the weight of history and the fate of a nation can complicate one's sense of self. Through this reflection, the captain invites readers to contemplate the nature of belief and the responsibilities that come with power. His message serves as a reminder of the profound impact of historical events on individual lives and the intricate interplay between personal faith and collective action. The poem concludes with a call for reverence and understanding, urging future generations to recognize the complexities of those who have come before them.

By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Philosophical · 211 words

First lines

Oh, you young radicals and dreamers, You dauntless fledglings Who pass by my headstone, Mock not its record of my captaincy in the army And my faith in God!

They are not denials of each other.

Go by reverently, and read with sober care How a great people, riding with defiant shouts The centaur of Revolution, Spurred and whipped to frenzy, Shook with terror, seeing the mist of the sea Over the precipice they were nearing, And fell from his back in precipitate awe To celebrate the Feast of the Supreme Being.

What this Textopian page supports

Captain Orlando Killion is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1916 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Edgar Lee Masters
Date: 1916 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Philosophical, Literary Fiction, War Literature
Length: 211 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Historical Fiction — It reflects themes of revolution and historical context, particularly related to the army and societal change.
Philosophical — The text explores deep themes of faith, existence, and the human condition.
Literary Fiction — It focuses on character introspection and thematic depth rather than plot-driven narrative.