The Three Tall Sons by Lord Dunsany
In a future where humanity has achieved a pinnacle of civilization, a grand city stands as a testament to man's progress, free from toil and hardship. The inhabitants of this city are engrossed in intellectual pursuits, particularly discussions surrounding societal issues, while the natural world outside is largely ignored. An old woman, representing Nature, attempts to enter the city but is consistently turned away, symbolizing the neglect of the natural order by modern society. The narrative shifts when the old woman brings her three sons—War, Famine, and Plague—who embody the darker aspects of existence that humanity has sought to escape. These figures, born from Nature's suffering, are allowed entry into the city, contrasting sharply with the complacency of its citizens. As they enter, the three sons approach the oblivious inhabitants, who remain preoccupied with their discussions and problems, unaware of the impending consequences of their neglect. The story explores themes of hubris, the consequences of ignoring the natural world, and the inevitable return of the very forces that civilization attempts to suppress. The three sons serve as harbingers of chaos, reminding humanity that no amount of progress can shield them from the fundamental realities of existence. The narrative critiques the disconnect between civilization and nature, illustrating that the triumphs of man are often accompanied by the shadows of destruction and suffering. As the three figures move through the city, they represent the inescapable truths that humanity must confront. The work serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of civilization and the importance of acknowledging and respecting the natural world, suggesting that the ultimate glory of man is intertwined with the acceptance of these darker elements. The story concludes with a sense of foreboding, as the citizens remain blissfully unaware of the impending doom brought forth by the very forces they have chosen to ignore.
By Lord Dunsany · First published 1916 · Genre: Fantasy, Allegory, Philosophical Fiction · 245 words
First lines
And at last Man raised on high the final glory of his civilization, the towering edifice of the ultimate city.
Softly beneath him in the deeps of the earth purred his machinery fulfilling all his needs, there was no more toil for man. There he sat at ease discussing the Sex Problem.
And sometimes painfully out of forgotten fields, there came to his outer door, came to the furthest rampart of the final glory of Man, a poor old woman begging. And always they turned her away. This glory of Man's achievement, this city was not for her.
It was Nature that came thus begging in from the fields, whom they always turned away.
What this Textopian page supports
The Three Tall Sons is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Allegory, Philosophical Fiction, Social Commentary, Speculative Fiction
- Length: 245 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative incorporates elements of myth and allegory, typical of fantasy literature, exploring themes of civilization and nature.
- Allegory — The story serves as an allegorical representation of the consequences of human neglect towards nature and the inevitability of war, famine, and plague.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text engages with deep philosophical questions regarding civilization, morality, and the human condition.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal values and the disconnect between civilization and the natural world.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Mythology · Fairy Tales · Coming of Age · Magic Realism · Literary Fiction · Classic Literature · Short Story Collection · Symbolism · Allegory · Moral Lessons