Leaves by Frederic Manning (1926)
"Leaves" by Frederic Manning is a novel set during World War I that follows the experiences of an Australian soldier named Jim Mitchell. The book explores themes of war, trauma, and human resilience through its vivid descriptions of battle scenes and the psychological toll they take on soldiers.
By Frederic Manning · First published 1926 · Genre: War Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Pastoral · 175 words
First lines
A frail and tenuous mist lingers on baffled and intricate branches; Little gilt leaves are still, for quietness holds every bough; Pools in the muddy road slumber, reflecting indifferent stars; Steeped in the loveliness of moonlight is earth, and the valleys, Brimmed up with quiet shadow, with a mist of sleep.
But afar on the horizon rise great pulses of light, The hammering of guns, wrestling, locked in conflict Like brute, stone gods of old struggling confusedly; Then overhead purrs a shell, and our heavies Answer, with sudden clapping bruits of sound, Loosening our shells that stream whining and whimpering precipitately, Hounding through air athirst for blood.
What this Textopian page supports
Leaves is listed on Textopian as a poem by Frederic Manning, dated 1926 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Frederic Manning
- Date: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: War Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Pastoral, Imagism
- Length: 175 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Leaves 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 Leaves?
- How does this poem by Frederic Manning fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does War Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Still Life by Frederic Manning
- Wind by Frederic Manning
- Bare Fig Trees Trees by D. H. Lawrence
- Distance And Solitude Di Pensier In Pensier Di Monte In Monte by Francesco Petrarca
- Cypresses Trees by D. H. Lawrence
- Winter Lull by D. H. Lawrence
Genres
- War Poetry — The text describes the imagery and sounds of warfare, including guns and shells, which are central to war poetry.
- Modernist Poetry — The use of vivid imagery, fragmented structure, and focus on the sensory experience aligns with modernist poetry characteristics.
- Pastoral — The initial description of the natural landscape and its tranquility reflects elements of pastoral themes.
- Imagism — The precise and clear imagery, focusing on visual elements, is a hallmark of imagist poetry.
Tags
nature · poetry · philosophy · existentialism · human experience · transience · beauty · reflection · growth · seasons · life cycle · emotions