The Terrible Talker by Edgar wallace
A man named M'anin, feared by all in the Isisi tribe, wields his stammering voice as a weapon, using bitter words to criticize and belittle those around him, including the chief. His ability to speak harsh truths without fear earns him a peculiar respect, leading others to placate him with food and attention to avoid his scorn. M'anin's disdain for the wealthy and powerful, particularly the hunter Ogani and the chief Sandi, makes him a controversial figure. One night, he provocatively defends the notorious Leopard society, which had been suppressed by the authorities, igniting tensions within the community. His words reach the ears of Bosambo, the wise chief of the Ochori, who remains unperturbed by M'anin's slanderous remarks. However, Bosambo is aware of the growing unrest and the resurgence of Leopardism, prompting him to take action against potential threats. Bosambo's guard, Bosongo, expresses his desire to marry a woman from the Isisi, but Bosambo warns him of the risks involved, given the current volatile atmosphere. Meanwhile, Bosambo receives intelligence about the Leopards' activities, leading him to capture a member of the society for interrogation. The captured Leopard reveals the identity of his leader and the resurgence of the Leopard society, which Bosambo takes seriously. In the midst of this turmoil, Lieutenant Tibbetts, known as Bones, is tasked with arresting M'anin and other key figures to quell the rising threat. Bones, preoccupied with his own philosophical musings about reincarnation, embarks on a mission to bring M'anin to justice. His journey is fraught with challenges as he navigates the swamps and confronts the Leopard society's rituals. Upon capturing M'anin, Bones finds himself in a position of authority, but M'anin's bravado and magical claims challenge his control. M'anin's confidence in his words and supposed powers leads him to mock Bones, believing he can manipulate the situation to his advantage. However, Bones, realizing the gravity of the situation, prepares to assert his authority and bring M'anin's dangerous influence to an end. The narrative explores themes of power, fear, and the impact of words, illustrating how a single individual's voice can disrupt the balance of authority and incite chaos within a community. M'anin's character serves as a catalyst for conflict, while Bosambo and Bones represent the struggle to maintain order in the face of rising dissent. The story culminates in a confrontation that tests the limits of authority and the consequences of unchecked speech.
By Edgar wallace · First published 1926 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Adventure · 4,722 words
First lines
THERE was a man of the Isisi whom all feared -- even the very chief of that nation. He was no great warrior, nor was he skilled in magic. His name was M'anin and he was of the common people: a tall, thin man with a stammering voice, who did no more than talk. But his talk was very bitter and he respected nobody. Once, in the days of his beginnings, the chief of his village (afterwards chief of the tribe, and eventually hanged for the murder of a missionary) had taken a pliant chicotte and had gone in search of the talker. And M'anin had seen him coming and was panic -- stricken, for he had spoken very evilly of this chief and certain of his wives. Yet, though his heart was like water, he met the chief with outward insolence, having in his soul the dim beginnings of a theory which happened to be right; and this theory was that he who talks and talks and supports one boldness with another may cow even the strongest and most enraged man or woman.
What this Textopian page supports
The Terrible Talker is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar wallace, dated 1926 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edgar wallace
- Date: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Adventure, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
- Length: 4,722 words
- Structure: 1 section, 107 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of power, social dynamics, and the human condition through character-driven narratives.
- Drama — The interactions and conflicts between characters, particularly M'anin and the chief, create a dramatic tension central to the plot.
- Adventure — The setting in an African village and the exploration of tribal politics and conflicts provide an adventurous backdrop.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms, leadership, and the consequences of speech and power dynamics.
Tags
mystery · suspense · crime · thriller · detective · investigation · murder · deception · intrigue · secrets · plot twists · narrative