At the Sound of the Drum
The story revolves around a young man who decides to leave his rural life as a farmer to become a soldier. He is driven by a desire for adventure, tired of his mundane routine and the chatter of women. Despite his lover's pleas and vows to keep him, he is resolute in his decision, seeking the thrill of battle and the sound of drums over the monotony of farm life.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1906 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Children's Literature · 235 words
First lines
Are you going for a soldier with your curly yellow hair, And a scarlet coat instead of the smock you used to wear? Are you going to drive the foe as you used to drive the plough? Are you going for a soldier now?
I am going for a soldier, and my tunic is of red And I'm tired of woman's chatter, and I'll hear the drum instead; I will break the fighting line as you broke your plighted vow, For I'm going for a soldier now.
For a soldier, for a soldier are you sure that you will go, To hear the drums a-beating and to hear the bugles blow? I'll make you sweeter music, for I'll swear another vow -- Are you going for a soldier now?
What this Textopian page supports
At the Sound of the Drum is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Children's Literature, Fantasy
- Length: 235 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for At the Sound of the Drum by Edith Nesbit
- 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 At the Sound of the Drum?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Magic Ring by Edith Nesbit
- The Mill by Edith Nesbit
- Henry The Fifth And The Baby King by Edith Nesbit
- Trafalgar Day by Edith Nesbit
- The Fire by Edith Nesbit
- Prince Arthur by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Adventure — The narrative is driven by physical and daring exploits.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a particular historical period and includes real events of that time.
- Children's Literature — The book is written for and primarily marketed to children.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes magical or supernatural elements.
Tags
Children's Fiction · Adventure · Fantasy · Historical Fiction · War · Napoleonic Wars · British History · Family · Siblings · Coming of Age · Growing Up · Youth