The Old Calvary by Frederic Manning
The Old Calvary is a novel by Frederic Manning that tells the story of a young soldier's experiences during World War I. The book follows the protagonist, Private Bourne, as he navigates the horrors of trench warfare and grapples with his own mortality. Through vivid descriptions of battle scenes and introspective musings on the nature of humanity, Manning creates a powerful portrait of the devastating effects of war on both individuals and society as a whole.
By Frederic Manning · First published 1930 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Symbolism · 162 words
First lines
TO THE REV. D. L. PROSSER
It is propped in a corner of the yard, Where vines wreathe it With leaves and delicate tendrils; A mutilated trunk, Worn, and gray with weather stains; Lichens cling to its flesh as a leprosy.
But for a moment I stood in adoration, Reverent, as the sun-rays Struck between the glistening leaves; Lighting the frail, lean form, The shrunken flanks, That knew more suffering than held The agonies of Laocoon.
For the memory of many prayers clung to it, Tenderly, and glistening, Even as the delicate vine To the sacred flesh.
What this Textopian page supports
The Old Calvary is listed on Textopian as a short story by Frederic Manning, dated 1930 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: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Symbolism, Nature, Historical
- Length: 162 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Old Calvary by Frederic Manning
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, with a focus on imagery and metaphor.
- Religious — The reference to adoration and prayers suggests a religious or spiritual theme.
- Symbolism — The use of the vine and the trunk as symbols indicates a deeper meaning beyond the literal.
- Nature — The description of natural elements like vines and lichens highlights a connection to nature.
Tags
war · historical fiction · World War I · soldiers · camaraderie · sacrifice · battlefield · tragedy · human experience · survival · loyalty · grief