The Sign by Frederic Manning (1926)
The Sign is a novel by Frederic Manning that tells the story of a young soldier's experiences during World War I. The book follows Private Bourne, an Englishman who enlists in the army and is sent to fight on the Western Front. Through his eyes, we see the horrors of war and the psychological toll it takes on soldiers. The novel is notable for its realistic depiction of trench warfare and its exploration of themes such as courage, cowardice, and the absurdity of war.
By Frederic Manning · First published 1926 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical · 177 words
First lines
We are here in a wood of little beeches: And the leaves are like black lace Against a sky of nacre.
One bough of clear promise Across the moon.
It is in this wise that God speaketh unto me.
He layeth hands of healing upon my flesh, Stilling it in an eternal peace.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sign 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: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical, Nature
- Length: 177 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Sign 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 The Sign?
- How does this poem by Frederic Manning fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Ganhardines Song by Frederic Manning
- Soleil Couchant by Frederic Manning
- The Old Calvary by Frederic Manning
- The Cup by Frederic Manning
- The Swallow by Frederic Manning
- After Night by Frederic Manning
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, with a focus on imagery and metaphor, characteristic of poetry.
- Spiritual — The themes involve divine communication and spiritual peace, indicating a focus on spiritual exploration.
- Philosophical — The text reflects on eternal truths and the nature of human suffering, aligning with philosophical inquiry.
- Nature — The setting and imagery are deeply connected to natural elements, emphasizing the genre of nature writing.
Tags
war · identity · existentialism · human experience · conflict · philosophy · narrative · historical fiction · courage · sacrifice · friendship · loss