The End of the World

Name: The End of the World
Author: G.K. Chesterton

The End of the World is a collection of short stories by G.K. Chesterton that explore themes of morality and religion in a humorous and thought-provoking way. The book includes tales such as "The Hammer of God," "The White Pillars," and "The Three Tools of Death."

By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1927 · Genre: Travel Literature, Philosophical Fiction, Fantasy · 1,605 words

First lines

For some time I had been wandering in quiet streets in the curious town of Besancon, which stands like a sort of peninsula in a horse-shoe of river. You may learn from the guide books that it was the birthplace of Victor Hugo, and that it is a military station with many forts, near the French frontier. But you will not learn from guide books that the very tiles on the roofs seem to be of some quainter and more delicate colour than the tiles of all the other towns of the world; that the tiles look like the little clouds of some strange sunset, or like the lustrous scales of some strange fish. They will not tell you that in this town the eye cannot rest on anything without finding it in some way attractive and even elvish, a carved face at a street corner, a gleam of green fields through a stunted arch, or some unexpected colour for the enamel of a spire or dome.

What this Textopian page supports

The End of the World is listed on Textopian as a short story by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1927 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: 1927 CE
Language: English
Genres: Travel Literature, Philosophical Fiction, Fantasy, Satire, Adventure
Length: 1,605 words
Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for The End of the World by G.K. Chesterton
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Travel Literature — The narrative focuses on the protagonist's journey and exploration of a foreign town, emphasizing the experience of travel and discovery.
Philosophical Fiction — The text delves into existential themes and reflections on civilization, identity, and belonging, characteristic of philosophical inquiry.
Fantasy — The description of the town and landscape is imbued with fantastical elements, creating a sense of a fairy tale or otherworldly setting.
Satire — The narrative contains subtle satirical elements, particularly in the portrayal of cultural differences and the protagonist's longing for home.