The Battle of the Tunnel
The Battle of the Tunnel is a short story by G.K. Chesterton that tells the tale of two men who are trapped in a tunnel during an earthquake. The story explores themes of courage, faith, and human resilience in the face of adversity.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1905 · Genre: Adventure, Satire, Mystery · 6,835 words
First lines
WHAT Joan Brett really felt, as she went back from the second tête-à-tête she had experienced in the turret, it is doubtful if anyone will ever know. But she was full of the pungent feminine instinct to "drive at practice," and what she did clearly realise was the pencil writing Dalroy had left on the back of Lord Ivywood's _menu_. Heaven alone knew what it was, and (as it pleased her profane temper to tell herself) she was not satisfied with Heaven alone knowing. She went swiftly back, with swishing skirts, to the table where it had been left. But her skirts fell more softly and her feet trailed slower and more in her usual manner as she came near the table. For standing at it was Lord Ivywood, reading the card with tranquil lowered eyelids, that set off perfectly the long and perfect oval of his face. He put down the card with a quite natural action; and, seeing Joan, smiled at her in his most sympathetic way.
What this Textopian page supports
The Battle of the Tunnel is listed on Textopian as a short story by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Satire, Mystery, Comedy, Political Fiction
- Length: 6,835 words
- Structure: 1 section, 98 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Battle of the Tunnel by G.K. Chesterton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- The Nameless Man by G. K. Chesterton
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- The Mirror Of The Magistrate by G. K. Chesterton
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Genres
- Adventure — The narrative involves a quest-like journey with elements of pursuit and escape, featuring a protagonist navigating through challenges and adversaries.
- Satire — The text employs humor and irony to critique societal norms, politics, and human behavior, particularly through exaggerated characters and situations.
- Mystery — The plot includes elements of intrigue and suspense, with characters attempting to uncover hidden truths and solve problems.
- Comedy — The story contains humorous situations and dialogue, often highlighting the absurdity of certain characters and events.
Tags
mystery · adventure · detective · suspense · crime · intrigue · London · historical · fiction · philosophy · social commentary · narrative