Fighting for Peace

Fighting for Peace by Henry Van Dyke

The novel explores the complexities of war and its effects on individuals and society. It follows a young American who joins the British army to fight against Napoleon's forces in Europe. As he navigates the harsh realities of combat, he grapples with the moral implications of violence and the true meaning of patriotism. Through his experiences, the protagonist comes to realize that the pursuit of peace is often hindered by the very actions taken in its name. He witnesses the devastating consequences of war on civilians and soldiers alike, leading him to question the motivations behind the conflict. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced portrayal of the human cost of war and the difficulties of achieving lasting peace in a world torn apart by violence.

By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1915 · Genre: Non-fiction, Historical, Political · 7 chapters · 41,054 words

First lines

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It takes a New England farmer to note and interpret the signs of coming storm on a beautiful and sunny day. Perhaps his power is due in part to natural sharpness, and in part to the innate pessimism of the Yankee mind, which considers the fact that the hay is cut but not yet in the barn a sufficient reason for believing that "it'll prob'ly rain t'morrow."

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Genres

Tags

War Literature · Peace Movement · Philosophy of War · Pacifism · Christianity and War · Moral Dilemmas · Ethics of Conflict · Non-Violence · Conscientious Objection · Social Commentary · Historical Fiction · Anti-War

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Fighting for Peace is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1915 CE.

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More by Henry Van Dyke