The Thunders of Silence
This novel explores the complexities of human relationships and the power dynamics at play within them. It delves into themes of love, betrayal, and redemption through a narrative that spans multiple storylines and timelines. The protagonist's journey serves as a catalyst for exploring the consequences of one's actions and the blurred lines between truth and deception. The novel critiques societal norms and expectations, particularly those placed on women, highlighting the tension between personal desires and external pressures. Throughout the narrative, the author employs a non-linear structure to convey the fragmented nature of human experience and the ways in which memories can be distorted or manipulated. This technique allows for a nuanced exploration of the human psyche, revealing the intricate web of emotions and motivations that drive individuals. Ultimately, The Thunders of Silence presents a thought-provoking commentary on the human condition, encouraging readers to question their assumptions about love, loyalty, and the nature of truth.
By Irvin S. Cobb · First published 1923 · Genre: Political Fiction, Satire, Drama · 13,355 words
First lines
Some people said Congressman Mallard had gone mad. These were his friends, striving out of the goodness of their hearts to put the best face on what at best was a lamentable situation. Some said he was a traitor to his country. These were his enemies, personal, political and journalistic. Some called him a patriot who put humanity above nationality, a new John the Baptist come out of the wilderness to preach a sobering doctrine of world-peace to a world made drunk on war. And these were his followers. Of the first -- his friends -- there were not many left. Of the second group there were millions that multiplied themselves. Of the third there had been at the outset but a timorous and furtive few, and they mostly men and women who spoke English, if they spoke it at all, with the halting speech and the twisted idiom that betrayed their foreign birth; being persons who found it entirely consistent to applaud the preachment of planetic disarmament out of one side of their mouths, and out of the other side of their mouths to pray for the success at arms of the War Lord whose hand had shoved the universe over the rim of the chasm. But each passing day now saw them increasing in number and in audacity. Taking courage to themselves from the courage of their apostle, these, his disciples, were beginning to shout from the housetops what once they had only dared whisper beneath the eaves. Disloyalty no longer smouldered; it was blazing up. It crackled, and threw off firebrands.
What this Textopian page supports
The Thunders of Silence is listed on Textopian as a novel by Irvin S. Cobb, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Irvin S. Cobb
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Fiction, Satire, Drama, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 13,355 words
- Structure: 1 section, 115 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Thunders of Silence by Irvin S. Cobb
- 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 The Thunders of Silence?
- How does this novel by Irvin S. Cobb fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Political Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Turkish Questions by O. Henry
- A Monument To Adam by Mark Twain
- J Poindexter Colored by Irvin S. Cobb
- Maud Muller Mutatur by Franklin P. Adams
- A Cure For The Blues by Mark Twain
- The Double Transformation A Tale by Oliver Goldsmith
Genres
- Political Fiction — The narrative centers around a congressman and his political actions, exploring themes of patriotism, disloyalty, and political ambition.
- Satire — The story critiques political figures and the media, using irony and exaggeration to highlight the absurdities of political life.
- Drama — The plot involves intense emotional conflicts, personal downfall, and societal pressures, typical of dramatic storytelling.
- Psychological Fiction — The protagonist's mental state and personal motivations are deeply explored, focusing on his psychological decline.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Literature · Novel · Fiction · Literary Fiction · Classic Novel · 19th Century Setting · Social Commentary · Satire · Humor · Absurdism · Philosophical Themes