Lights out. (1915) (the Trial as by Fire)
The novel revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after serving in World War I and struggles with the trauma of war. He becomes increasingly isolated from society and eventually loses touch with reality. The story explores themes of disillusionment, mental health, and the psychological effects of war on individuals.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1909 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Historical · 236 words
First lines
"Lights out" along the land, "Lights out" upon the sea. The night must put her hiding hand O'er peaceful towns where children sleep, And peaceful ships that darkly creep Across the waves, as if they were not free.
The dragons of the air, The hell-hounds of the deep, Lurking and prowling everywhere, Go forth to seek their helpless prey, Not knowing whom they maim or slay -- Mad harvesters, who care not what they reap.
Out with the tranquil lights, Out with the lights that burn For love and law and human rights! Set back the clock a thousand years: All they have gained now disappears, And the dark ages suddenly return.
What this Textopian page supports
Lights out. (1915) (the Trial as by Fire) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Historical, Social Commentary, Political
- Length: 236 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lights out. (1915) (the Trial as by Fire) by Henry Van Dyke
- 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 Lights out. (1915) (the Trial as by Fire)?
- How does this poem by Henry Van Dyke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Philosophy 4 by Owen Wister
- Oaks Tutt by Edgar Lee Masters
- Harry Wilmans by Edgar Lee Masters
- Living Or Dead by Rabindranath Tagore
- John Cabanis by Edgar Lee Masters
- Adam Weirauch by Edgar Lee Masters
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around war, destruction, and the impact of conflict, aligning with war literature.
- Historical — References to historical events and figures, such as the Kaiser, place the work in a specific historical context.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal issues, such as the loss of human rights and the regression to darker times.
Tags
American Literature · Short Story Collection · World War I Fiction · War Literature · Philosophical Fiction · Existentialism · Psychological Insight · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Human Condition · Moral Ambiguity · Free Will vs Determinism