The City by Lord Dunsany (1910)
The narrative unfolds in a fantastical realm where the protagonist observes a distant city from a cliff's edge in a desert. As twilight descends, a group of about twenty men, identified as poets and artists, stealthily exits the city, expressing relief that they have left. Their departure is met with joy by those remaining, who are engaged in commerce, indicating a stark contrast between the creative souls and the mundane populace. The protagonist inquires about the reason for the poets' exit and the people's relief. A guiding voice suggests that a foreboding doom is approaching the city, prompting the artists to flee while the citizens remain oblivious to the impending danger. The atmosphere grows tense, and the protagonist decides to leave as well, sensing the ominous change in the sky. A millennium later, the protagonist revisits the site, only to find the city has vanished, leaving no trace behind, not even among the weeds. This stark transformation emphasizes themes of impermanence, the fleeting nature of civilization, and the contrast between artistic sensitivity and commercial indifference. The work explores the idea that creativity and foresight can lead to escape from inevitable doom, while the unseeing masses remain trapped in their pursuits, ultimately leading to their downfall. The absence of the city serves as a poignant reminder of the transitory nature of human endeavors and the lasting impact of art and imagination.
By Lord Dunsany · First published 1910 · Genre: Fantasy, Philosophical, Literary Fiction · 303 words
First lines
In time as well as space my fancy roams far from here. It led me once to the edge of certain cliffs that were low and red and rose up out of a desert: a little way off in the desert there was a city. It was evening, and I sat and watched the city.
Presently I saw men by threes and fours come softly stealing out of that city's gate to the number of about twenty. I heard the hum of men's voices speaking at evening.
What this Textopian page supports
The City is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Philosophical, Literary Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Allegory
- Length: 303 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The City by Lord Dunsany
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The City?
- How does this short story by Lord Dunsany fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative features imaginative elements and a surreal setting, characteristic of fantasy literature.
- Philosophical — The text explores themes of existence, the role of artists, and the nature of civilization, prompting philosophical reflection.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and rich in imagery, focusing on character thoughts and thematic depth.
- Speculative Fiction — The story speculates on the fate of a city and its inhabitants, presenting an alternate reality.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Mythology · Urban Fantasy · Short Stories · Classic Literature · Literary Fiction · Symbolism · Allegory · Philosophy · Mystery · Supernatural