
We Must Live On by Gilbert Parker
The novel We Must Live On by Gilbert Parker tells the story of a young man named John who struggles to find his place in society after returning from World War I. The book explores themes of love, loss, and redemption as John navigates his way through life.
By Gilbert Parker · First published 1908 · Genre: Tragedy, Philosophical, Poetry · 176 words
First lines
We must live on; a deeper tragedy: To see, to touch, to know, and to desire; To feel in every vein the glorious fire Of Eden, and to cry, "Oh, to be free!"
To cry, "Oh, wipe the gloomy stain away, Thou who first raised the sword, Who gave the hilt Into the hand of man. This blood they spilt -- Our fathers -- oh, blot out the bitter day!
Erase the hour from out Thy calendar, Turn back the hands upon the clock of Time, Oh, Artificer of destroying War --
Their righteous hate who bore us in our crime!"
What this Textopian page supports
We Must Live On is listed on Textopian as a short story by Gilbert Parker, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Gilbert Parker
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Tragedy, Philosophical, Poetry, Historical, Drama
- Length: 176 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for We Must Live On by Gilbert Parker
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering We Must Live On?
- How does this short story by Gilbert Parker fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Tragedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Tragedy — The text explores themes of deep tragedy, existential despair, and the human condition.
- Philosophical — The narrative delves into philosophical questions about existence, freedom, and the nature of war.
- Poetry — The writing style is poetic, with a focus on lyrical expression and emotional depth.
- Historical — References to historical events and the impact of past actions on the present are evident.
Tags
survival · resilience · human spirit · adventure · struggle · hope · community · perseverance · nature · conflict · courage · determination
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