Great Christ is Dead. (1875.)
The novel revolves around the theme of existential crisis and spiritual decay. It follows a protagonist who has lost faith in God and is struggling to find meaning in life. The story explores the consequences of rejecting traditional values and institutions, leading to a sense of disorientation and disillusionment. The narrative is characterized by a sense of irony and satire, as the protagonist's attempts to find purpose are constantly thwarted by his own cynicism and skepticism. Through this character's struggles, the novel critiques the societal norms and expectations that have led to spiritual emptiness. Ultimately, the story suggests that true freedom and autonomy can only be achieved through embracing one's own mortality and the uncertainty of life. The protagonist's journey is a poignant exploration of the human condition, highlighting the tension between individual desire and collective responsibility.
By James Stamers · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Religious Critique, Mythological Fiction · 2,123 words
First lines
We have all heard the wonderful story, recounted by Plutarch in his treatise on the Cessation of the Oracles, how, in the reign of Tiberius Caesar, a ship sailing from Greece to Italy was becalmed for the night at the islet-rock of Paxus in the Ionian Sea, between the Echinades and Ithaca, when a loud and terrible voice from the land called Thamous the pilot. And he having responded at the third appeal, "I am here; what would you with me? " the voice, grown yet louder and more terrible, commanded him to announce on arriving at Palodes that Pan the Great was dead. Accordingly, when the vessel reached this place, whose site I believe the learned have not yet fixed, Thamous stood on the prow and lifting his voice shoreward cried, "Pan the Great is dead! " -- whereon were heard great moanings and lamentations, mysterious and multitudinous. Not having Plutarch at hand, I have refreshed my memory from Rabelais, who repeats this well-authenticated story by the mouth of Pantagruel, in the twenty-eighth chapter of the fourth book of his inestimable work, following soon on that tempest of all tempests wherein Friar John and Panurge so variously distinguished themselves. The good Pantagruel goes on to expound the story after his own manner, thinking that it referred not to the heathen god Pan, but to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, "ignominiously put to death by the envy and iniquity of the pontiffs, doctors, presbyters, and monks of the Mosaic dispensation."
What this Textopian page supports
Great Christ is Dead. (1875.) is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Stamers, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: James Stamers
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Religious Critique, Mythological Fiction, Historical Fiction, Satire
- Length: 2,123 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — Explores deep philosophical themes regarding religion, mythology, and the nature of divinity.
- Religious Critique — Critically examines the role and influence of Christianity and its decline in modern society.
- Mythological Fiction — Incorporates elements of Greek mythology, particularly the figure of Pan, to contrast with Christian themes.
- Historical Fiction — References historical figures and events, such as Tiberius Caesar and the early Christian era, to frame its narrative.
Tags
Christianity · Philosophy · Theology · Criticism · Satire · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · 19th Century Literature · English Literature · Religious Satire · Moral Critique · Societal Commentary