The Story of the Sestina
The narrative follows Dame Alianora of Provence, who, in disguise and facing adversity, seeks to rescue her son, Prince Edward, from captivity during the tumultuous Barons' War in England. After the death of her companion, de Giars, she encounters Osmund Heleigh, a once-celebrated troubadour now reduced to a timid scholar. Their reunion reveals a shared past, as Heleigh had once composed a Sestina in her honor. Alianora, determined and pragmatic, enlists Heleigh's help to reach Bristol, where the remnants of the royal army are gathered. They embark on a perilous journey through a war-torn landscape, encountering the devastation wrought by conflict. As they travel, Alianora reflects on her past decisions and the consequences of her ambition, while Heleigh grapples with his own cowardice and the weight of their shared history. Their journey is fraught with danger, including encounters with hostile soldiers. Heleigh's quick thinking and poetic skills save them from immediate peril, but the toll of their experiences weighs heavily on both. Alianora's resolve is tested as she confronts the reality of her actions and the suffering they have caused. Upon reaching Bristol, Alianora's presence revitalizes the beleaguered royal forces. However, Heleigh's fate takes a tragic turn when he is challenged to a duel by Gui Camoys, a nobleman seeking retribution. Despite his age and lack of combat experience, Heleigh accepts the challenge, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to defend Alianora's cause. In the duel, Heleigh fights valiantly but ultimately succumbs to Camoys. His death is mourned by Alianora, who recognizes the sacrifices made for her ambitions. She ensures Heleigh receives a proper burial, honoring his loyalty and bravery. The story concludes with Alianora's eventual rise to power and her legacy as a wise ruler, while Heleigh's memory endures as a testament to the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the human condition amidst the chaos of war. The narrative encapsulates themes of loyalty, the burdens of leadership, and the interplay between personal desires and the greater good.
By James Branch Cabell · First published 1928 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure · 8,081 words
First lines
"Armatz de fust e de fer e d'acier, Mos ostal seran bosc, fregz, e semdier, E mas cansos sestinas e descortz, E mantenrai los frevols contra 'ls fortz. "
The first novel.
What this Textopian page supports
The Story of the Sestina is listed on Textopian as a novel by James Branch Cabell, dated 1928 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: James Branch Cabell
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Drama, Poetry
- Length: 8,081 words
- Structure: 1 section, 144 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Story of the Sestina by James Branch Cabell
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Mr Waldos Song by Dylan Thomas
- The Three Voices by Lewis Carroll
- Conversation Galante by T. S. Eliot
- The Thousand And Second Tale Of Scheherazade by Edgar Allan Poe
- The Lost Road by Richard Harding Davis
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against a historical backdrop, focusing on the events of the Barons' War and the character of Dame Alianora, a historical figure.
- Romance — The relationship between Dame Alianora and Osmund Heleigh is central to the plot, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and personal connection.
- Adventure — The story involves a journey through a hostile landscape, with elements of danger and conflict as the characters navigate their challenges.
- Drama — The emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the characters, particularly regarding loyalty and sacrifice, contribute to the dramatic tension.
Tags
Poetry · Narrative · Experimental · Formalism · Sestina · Literary Fiction · Modernist · Symbolic · Allegorical · Mythological · Fictionalized Biography · Autobiographical Elements