Hermann the Irascible -- a Story of the Great We

Name: Hermann the Irascible -- a Story of the Great Weep
Author: Hector Hugh Munro

The story revolves around Hermann, a young man who is struggling to come to terms with his own identity and sense of purpose. He is haunted by the memory of a traumatic event from his past, which has left him feeling emotionally numb and disconnected from the world around him. As Hermann navigates his way through life, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea of finding meaning and connection in a seemingly meaningless world. His search for answers leads him down a path of self-discovery, where he grapples with complex emotions and moral dilemmas. Throughout the story, Munro explores themes of identity, morality, and the human condition, raising questions about the nature of reality and our place within it. The narrative is characterized by its dark humor, philosophical undertones, and a sense of existential despair that pervades every aspect of Hermann's life. Ultimately, the story builds towards a tragic conclusion, where Hermann's search for meaning and connection ultimately leads to his downfall.

By Hector Hugh Munro · First published 1903 · Genre: Satire, Political Fiction, Dystopian · 1,138 words

First lines

It was in the second decade of the twentieth century, after the Great Plague had devastated England, that Hermann the Irascible, nicknamed also the Wise, sat on the British throne. The Mortal Sickness had swept away the entire Royal Family, unto the third and fourth generations, and thus it came to pass that Hermann the Fourteenth of Saxe-Drachsen-Wachtelstein, who had stood thirtieth in the order of succession, found himself one day ruler of the British dominions within and beyond the seas. He was one of the unexpected things that happen in politics, and he happened with great thoroughness. In many ways he was the most progressive monarch who had sat on an important throne; before people knew where they were, they were somewhere else. Even his Ministers, progressive though they were by tradition, found it difficult to keep pace with his legislative suggestions.

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Hermann the Irascible -- a Story of the Great Weep is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hector Hugh Munro, dated 1903 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Hector Hugh Munro
Date: 1903 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Political Fiction, Dystopian, Comedy, Speculative Fiction
Length: 1,138 words
Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Satire — The story uses humor and irony to critique political and social issues, particularly the absurdity of compulsory voting for women.
Political Fiction — The narrative revolves around political themes, including legislation and the impact of political decisions on society.
Dystopian — The setting involves a society with oppressive and absurd laws, reflecting a dystopian vision of governance.
Comedy — The writing style and plot incorporate comedic elements, such as exaggerated scenarios and witty dialogue.