Dragon's Breath by Hervey Allen
The novel is a historical epic that spans several centuries and continents, exploring themes of power, corruption, and the human condition. It begins with the story of a young nobleman who becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow the ruling monarch, and follows his journey as he navigates the complexities of court politics and warfare. As the novel progresses, it expands its scope to encompass the broader sweep of history, incorporating elements of mythology, folklore, and legend. The narrative jumps forward in time, following the fortunes of various characters as they rise and fall through the ages. Throughout the book, the author explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of power. The novel is characterized by its vivid descriptions of historical events, its richly detailed settings, and its complex, often morally ambiguous characters. Ultimately, the novel builds towards a climactic confrontation between good and evil, as the forces of light and darkness engage in a final, decisive struggle for dominance.
By Hervey Allen · First published 1942 · Genre: War Poetry, Imagist Poetry, Modernist Poetry · 264 words
First lines
We held the last stone wall -- when day was red -- They crept like morning shadows through the dead, The _flammenwerfer_ with their dragon's breath Compressed in nippled bottle-tanks of death.
They puffed along the wall and one long cry Withered away into the morning sky, And some made crablike gestures where they lay And all our faces turned oil gray, Before the smoke rolled by.
It is beyond belief How men can live All curled up like a leaf.
I saw a man bloom in a flower of flame, Roaring with fire, Three times he called a name; Three times he whirled within a white-hot pod With busy hands and cried, "Oh, God! Oh, God!"
What this Textopian page supports
Dragon's Breath is listed on Textopian as a novel by Hervey Allen, dated 1942 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Hervey Allen
- Date: 1942 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: War Poetry, Imagist Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Historical Poetry
- Length: 264 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Dragon's Breath by Hervey Allen
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- War Poetry — The poem vividly describes scenes of battle, using imagery of warfare and its effects on soldiers.
- Imagist Poetry — The poem employs strong, clear imagery and precise language to convey its themes.
- Modernist Poetry — The poem reflects modernist themes of disillusionment and the horrors of war, with a focus on individual experience.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections on the experience of war.
Tags
Historical Fiction · War Novel · WWI · American Literature · Classic Novel · Adventure · Action · Drama · Romance · Coming of Age · Male Protagonist · Literary Fiction