A Shell by Frederic Manning (1923)
A Shell is a novel by Frederic Manning that follows the experiences of an Australian soldier during World War I. The book is written in a stream-of-consciousness style and explores themes such as fear, courage, and the absurdity of war. It has been praised for its realistic portrayal of trench warfare and its psychological insights into the minds of soldiers.
By Frederic Manning · First published 1923 · Genre: War Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction · 50 words
First lines
Here we are all, naked as Greeks, Killing the lice in our shirts: Suddenly the air is torn asunder, Ripped as coarse silk, Then a dull thud.
We are all squatting.
What this Textopian page supports
A Shell is listed on Textopian as a short story by Frederic Manning, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Frederic Manning
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: War Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 50 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Shell by Frederic Manning
- 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 A Shell?
- How does this short story by Frederic Manning fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does War Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Kore by Frederic Manning
- After Night by Frederic Manning
- Winter To U A T by Frederic Manning
- Transport by Frederic Manning
- Relieved by Frederic Manning
- The Trenches by Frederic Manning
Genres
- War Fiction — The setting and context involve soldiers in a wartime environment, dealing with the realities of military life.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical period, likely reflecting events from World War I.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style and thematic exploration suggest a focus on character and existential themes.
- Psychological Fiction — The text delves into the mental and emotional states of the characters in a war setting.
Tags
war · poetry · World War I · soldiers · trench warfare · existentialism · human experience · loss · camaraderie · survival · grief · memory