The Truce of Christmas
The Truce of Christmas is a short story by G.K. Chesterton that tells the tale of two soldiers who put aside their differences during World War I to celebrate Christmas together. The story highlights the power of human connection and the importance of peace, even in times of conflict.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical · 398 words
First lines
Passionate peace is in the sky -- And in the snow in silver sealed The beasts are perfect in the field, And men seem men so suddenly -- (But take ten swords and ten times ten And blow the bugle in praising men; For we are for all men under the sun, And they are against us every one; And misers haggle and madmen clutch, And there is peril in praising much.
And we have the terrible tongues uncurled That praise the world to the sons of the world.)
What this Textopian page supports
The Truce of Christmas 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: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical, Social Commentary
- Length: 398 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Truce of Christmas 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
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Truce of Christmas?
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- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Christmas Meditation by George Macdonald
- Christmas Prayer by George Macdonald
- Christmas by G. K. Chesterton
- A Christmas Prayer by George Macdonald
- Brownings Christmas Eve by George Macdonald
- More Thoughts On Christmas by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Religious — Themes of sacred birth and Christmastide suggest religious undertones.
- Philosophical — Explores deep themes of peace, love, and human nature, indicative of philosophical inquiry.
- Social Commentary — Addresses societal issues such as conflict, greed, and unity, reflecting social critique.
Tags
Christmas · truce · peace · war · humanity · sacrifice · faith · hope · redemption · spirituality · tradition · celebration