Compromise by Lord Dunsany (1913)

Name: Compromise
Author: Lord Dunsany

A prosperous city, built on the surface, thrives in opulence and joy, oblivious to the lurking threat of an earthquake beneath. The inhabitants celebrate their achievements, believing their city to be eternal and invulnerable. However, deep within the earth, forces conspire against them, urging the earthquake to unleash its power. The earthquake, initially indifferent, remains dormant, pondering the audacity of those who dance above. As time passes, the citizens grow increasingly aware of the potential danger. They devise a plan to appease the earthquake, seeking to avert disaster through offerings and sacrifices. They send various tributes into the depths: singing girls, priests, and lavish gifts, hoping to win favor and calm the wrath of the unseen force. The earthquake, however, recognizes their attempts as futile. It realizes that the celebrants are not divine beings but mere mortals, and their efforts to placate it are insufficient. The narrative unfolds as the city grapples with the consequences of their ignorance and the inevitability of nature's power. The story explores themes of hubris, the fragility of human constructs, and the futility of trying to control forces beyond comprehension. Ultimately, the work serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of human ambition and the need for humility in the face of nature's might. The city, once vibrant and full of life, stands on the brink of reckoning, illustrating the tension between human pride and the relentless forces of the earth.

By Lord Dunsany · First published 1913 · Genre: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Allegory · 354 words

First lines

They built their gorgeous home, their city of glory, above the lair of the earthquake. They built it of marble and gold in the shining youth of the world. There they feasted and fought and called their city immortal, and danced and sang songs to the gods. None heeded the earthquake in all those joyous streets. And down in the deeps of the earth, on the black feet of the abyss, they that would conquer Man mumbled long in the darkness, mumbled and goaded the earthquake to try his strength with that city, to go forth blithely at night and to gnaw its pillars like bones. And down in those grimy deeps the earthquake answered them, and would not do their pleasure and would not stir from thence, for who knew who they were who danced all day where he rumbled, and what if the lords of that city that had no fear of his anger were haply even the gods!

What this Textopian page supports

Compromise is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1913 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Lord Dunsany
Date: 1913 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Allegory, Literary Fiction, Mythopoeia
Length: 354 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Fantasy — The narrative features mythical elements and a fantastical setting, typical of Dunsany's style.
Philosophical Fiction — The themes explore human hubris and the relationship between man and nature, prompting deeper reflection.
Allegory — The story serves as an allegorical representation of the consequences of ignoring natural forces.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is rich and poetic, focusing on character and thematic depth.