Death and the Soldier
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of human life. It describes a soldier's encounter with Death personified, who appears to him in a dream. Death is portrayed as a gentle and benevolent figure, who reassures the soldier that he will eventually come for everyone, and that his time will also come. The poem conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance in the face of mortality.
By Eugene Field · First published 1892 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Drama · 1,919 words
First lines
A soldier, who had won imperishable fame on the battlefields of his country, was confronted by a gaunt stranger, clad all in black and wearing an impenetrable mask.
"Who are you that you dare to block my way? " demanded the soldier.
What this Textopian page supports
Death and the Soldier is listed on Textopian as a short story by Eugene Field, dated 1892 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Drama, Tragedy, Historical Fiction
- Length: 1,919 words
- Structure: 1 section, 31 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Death and the Soldier by Eugene Field
- 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 Death and the Soldier?
- How does this short story by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Thoughts For The Times On War And Death by Sigmund Freud
- Spain In Our Heart by Pablo Neruda
- Koerners Battle Prayer by Eugene Field
- The Siege Of Corinth by Lord Byron
- The Coliseum by Edgar Allan Poe
- Cherry Pie by Edward Everett Hale
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep themes of life, death, and human connection, focusing on the soldier's internal struggle and emotional journey.
- Philosophical Fiction — The story delves into existential themes, particularly the confrontation with mortality and the value of life choices.
- Drama — The plot centers around intense emotional conflicts and character development, particularly the soldier's struggle against Death.
- Tragedy — The story embodies tragic elements, highlighting the inevitability of death and the soldier's ultimate fate despite his desires.
Tags
War · Death · Mortality · Soldier · Battlefield · Conflict · Violence · Grief · Loss · Sorrow · Patriotism · Nationalism