Men, Women and Guns by H.C. McNeile
The novel explores the complexities of relationships between men and women through a series of vignettes that examine the societal expectations placed on individuals within these relationships. It critiques the notion that men are inherently superior to women, highlighting the ways in which societal norms can lead to the objectification and marginalization of women. Through its portrayal of various characters and their interactions, the novel seeks to challenge traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, encouraging readers to reevaluate their assumptions about these concepts. The narrative is characterized by a focus on the inner lives and emotions of its female characters, providing a nuanced exploration of their experiences and perspectives. Ultimately, the novel presents a commentary on the societal pressures that shape human relationships, arguing that true equality can only be achieved through a fundamental shift in how we perceive and interact with one another.
By H.C. McNeile · First published 1916 · Genre: War Fiction, Adventure, Short Stories · 19 chapters · 87,744 words
First lines
Nothing in this war has so struck those who have fought in it as its impersonal nature. From the day the British Army moved north, and the first battle of Ypres commenced -- and with it trench warfare as we know it now -- it has been, save for a few interludes, a contest between automatons, backed by every known scientific device. Personal rancour against the opposing automatons separated by twenty or thirty yards of smelling mud -- who stew in the same discomfort as yourself -- is apt to give way to an acute animosity against life in general, and the accursed fate in particular which so foolishly decided your sex at birth. But, though rare, there have been cases of isolated encounters, where men -- with the blood running hot in their veins -- have got down to hand-grips, and grappling backwards and forwards in some cellar or dugout, have fought to the death, man to man, as of old. Such a case has recently come to my knowledge, a case at once bizarre and unique: a case where the much-exercised arm of coincidence showed its muscles to a remarkable degree. Only quite lately have I found out all the facts, and now at Dick O'Rourke's special request I am putting them on paper. True, they are intended to reach the eyes of one particular person, but. the personal column in the _Times_ interests others besides the lady in the magenta skirt, who will eat a banana at 3.30 daily by the Marble Arch!
What this Textopian page supports
Men, Women and Guns is listed on Textopian as a novel by H.C. McNeile, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: H.C. McNeile
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: War Fiction, Adventure, Short Stories, Historical Fiction, Military Fiction
- Length: 87,744 words
- Structure: 19 chapters, 1,174 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Men, Women and Guns by H.C. McNeile
- 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 Men, Women and Guns?
- How does this novel by H.C. McNeile fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does War Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Mufti by H. C. Mcneile
- The Poser by H. C. Mcneile
- The Courts Of The Morning by John Buchan
- The Lemnian by John Buchan
- Black Rock by Ralph Connor
- The Man Of Principle by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- War Fiction — The book primarily deals with themes and narratives centered around war, focusing on the experiences of soldiers and the impact of warfare.
- Adventure — The plot includes elements of adventure, with characters facing various challenges and engaging in daring exploits.
- Short Stories — The book is a collection of short stories, each with its own narrative arc and characters.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and events are influenced by historical contexts, particularly those related to wartime.
Tags
Action · Adventure · British Literature · Classic Fiction · Crime · Drama · English Literature · Fiction · Gun Culture · Historical Fiction · Literary Fiction · Mystery
Contents
- The Motor-Gun
- The Grey House
- Private Meyrick -- Company Idiot
- The Women and -- the Men
- Spud Trevor of the Red Hussars
- The Woman and the Man
- The Fatal Second
- "the Regiment"
- Jim Brent's V. C
- The Contrast
- Retribution
- Black, White, and -- Grey
- The Death Grip
- Archie and Others
- James Henry
- On the Staff
- No Answer
- The Madness
- The Grey House Again