He that Cometh After
The narrative unfolds through the perspective of Hillard, who attends a lecture where a man in a khaki coat captures his attention. This man, seemingly out of place, engages Hillard in conversation about the lecturer, Paul Raynor, who claims to be the only one knowledgeable about a particular language. The man expresses skepticism about Raynor's assertion, hinting at a deeper connection to the land and its people. As they converse, the man recounts his experiences in a remote African village, where he and his companion, Brad Timmins, sought ivory. Their journey through the grasslands is described vividly, emphasizing the oppressive heat and the stark contrast of the forest they eventually enter. The man reflects on the dynamics of their relationship with the local villagers, particularly the young headman and the old witch-doctor, who both recognize the complexities of their interactions. Brad is portrayed as a driven and ruthless character, obsessed with acquiring ivory, often at the expense of the villagers' well-being. The man reveals his own moral struggles, feeling a sense of kinship with the villagers while being complicit in Brad's exploitative pursuits. Tension builds as they receive warnings about a potential attack from a rival group, Mabendy, which threatens the village. When the attack occurs, Brad's reaction is driven by his greed for ivory rather than a sense of duty to protect the villagers. In a moment of desperation, he rushes back to the village, leading to a tragic confrontation. The man witnesses Brad's transformation into a figure of myth, as the villagers begin to revere him posthumously for his perceived bravery, despite his true motivations. The story explores themes of colonialism, morality, and the complexities of human relationships in a foreign land. The man in khaki grapples with his own identity and the legacy of Brad Timmins, who becomes a symbol of both exploitation and unintended heroism. Ultimately, the narrative questions who truly deserves credit for the changes in the village and highlights the often-overlooked voices of the indigenous people. The man leaves Hillard with a poignant reminder of the intertwined fates of colonizers and the colonized, encapsulated in the metaphor of Brad's heart residing in the cocoa tin worn by the witch-doctor.
By Marjorie Pickthall · First published 1903 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction · 4,895 words
First lines
Admission was by ticket only, and Hillard wondered how and where the man sitting next him had obtained one. He was, in that decorously neutral assembly, as conspicuous in his way as a game-cock among crows. His coat was of some sort of greenish khaki, strapped, patched and pocketed over almost every available inch of its surface; his trousers did not fit him or the coat; his boots-Hillard could not see his boots, but he thought they were tan; his tie looked like a knotted red handkerchief; his hair was red, and he himself so scorched and reddened by sun that it seemed as if his cool grey eyes should have melted amid the fervent heat of his face. So much Hillard saw in his first casual inspection, as he sat awaiting boredom. After a bishop had introduced the speaker and the lecture had begun, he was too much interested in the slight black figure on the platform to spare much attention elsewhere. You know those bioscope pictures that show in a few minutes the life-cycle of a plant from seed to seed? Hillard says that Paul Raynor, with the aid of a magic lantern and his own simplicity, was showing them thus the birth of a seed of law and love, the growth of light in darkness, of safety in the shadow of death. Not a soul in the audience could remain quite unmoved.
What this Textopian page supports
He that Cometh After is listed on Textopian as a short story by Marjorie Pickthall, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Marjorie Pickthall
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Drama, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 4,895 words
- Structure: 1 section, 68 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for He that Cometh After by Marjorie Pickthall
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering He that Cometh After?
- How does this short story by Marjorie Pickthall fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Story Of The Navarrese by James Branch Cabell
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- Behram And Eddetma by Madison Cawein
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of morality, identity, and the human condition through rich character development and nuanced prose.
- Adventure — The narrative involves exploration and encounters in a foreign land, focusing on the pursuit of ivory and the challenges faced by the characters.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a historical context, reflecting colonial attitudes and interactions between different cultures.
- Drama — The book contains intense emotional conflicts and character-driven storytelling, highlighting personal struggles and societal issues.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Romance · Adventure · Fantasy · Mystery · Coming-of-Age · Self-Discovery · Love Story · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Philosophical Themes