Cease Fire by Edgar Wallace (1934)
The narrative unfolds in the aftermath of a battle, focusing on a soldier's desperate search for his brother, Jack, who was part of the first troop to engage in the conflict. The protagonist wanders through the battlefield, grappling with the chaos and horror surrounding him. He questions fellow soldiers, both white and black, about Jack's whereabouts, revealing his anxiety and fear. The imagery of the fallen and the gruesome reality of war is palpable as he navigates the scene, haunted by the possibility of his brother's death. The soldier reflects on their mother's warnings to keep Jack close, highlighting the bond between the brothers and the weight of familial responsibility. As he confronts the grim task of identifying the dead, he struggles with his emotions, oscillating between hope and despair. The tension builds as he approaches the line of casualties, ultimately leading to a heart-wrenching moment of realization. The work captures the brutality of war, the fragility of life, and the profound impact of loss, culminating in a poignant exploration of brotherhood and the human cost of conflict.
By Edgar Wallace · First published 1934 · Genre: War Fiction, Poetry, Drama · 490 words
First lines
The fight was done an hour ago: / The whole brigade has fallen back, / And I've been wand'rin' to and fro, / A-askin' any -- white or black, / 'Say -- have you seen my brother, Jack? / His troop was first in the attack!'
I should have seen him here by now: / An hour ago the 'cease fire' went. / He isn't wounded any'ow, / 'Cos with the stretcher squads I went, / An' all my other time I've spent / A-hangin' round the doctor's tent.
What this Textopian page supports
Cease Fire is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Wallace, dated 1934 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 Wallace
- Date: 1934 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: War Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Historical Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 490 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Cease Fire by Edgar Wallace
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- War Fiction — The plot centers around the aftermath of a battle, focusing on the emotional and physical toll of war.
- Poetry — The writing style employs rhythmic and lyrical elements, resembling a poem that conveys deep emotions.
- Drama — The themes of loss, anxiety, and the search for a loved one create a dramatic narrative.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context suggest a historical backdrop related to military conflict.
Tags
mystery · suspense · crime · thriller · detective · investigation · action · drama · plot twist · intrigue · secrets · betrayal