Only One of Them

Only One of Them by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews

The narrative unfolds in a bustling electrical manufacturing plant where a young woman, a secretary, eagerly awaits her colleague, Jim Barlow. As they board a trolley together, Jim reveals his decision to enlist in the military, a choice that weighs heavily on him. The girl expresses her admiration for his bravery, but Jim struggles with feelings of fear and inadequacy, believing he is not the hero she perceives him to be. As Jim contemplates his enlistment, he grapples with the societal pressure to serve and the personal turmoil of leaving behind a promising career and the woman he cares for. He feels a deep conflict between duty and self-preservation, questioning the honor in sacrificing his life for a cause he feels ambivalent about. The narrative captures his internal struggle, highlighting the fear of death and the desire for self-respect. While wandering the streets, Jim encounters a group of young girls singing about the war, which stirs a sense of responsibility within him. Their innocence and the notion of protecting them from harm compel him to confront his fears. Ultimately, he resolves to enlist, driven by a newfound sense of purpose and the desire to contribute to the greater good. Upon returning to the girl, he confesses his fears and insecurities, revealing that his decision to enlist was not born from courage but from a sense of obligation. He expresses his hope that she will still love him despite his perceived cowardice. In a surprising turn, she reassures him that his willingness to face his fears makes him braver than he realizes. Their conversation deepens their bond, as she acknowledges the complexity of his emotions and the shared struggle many men face in the face of war. The story culminates in a moment of mutual understanding and affection, as they both recognize the strength found in vulnerability. Jim's journey from fear to acceptance of his role as a soldier reflects the broader themes of duty, love, and the human experience in times of conflict. The narrative ultimately emphasizes the importance of honesty in relationships and the courage it takes to confront one's fears, both in love and in the face of war.

By Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews · First published 1914 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, War Fiction · 5,259 words

First lines

It was noon on a Saturday. Out of the many buildings of the great electrical manufacturing plant at Schenectady poured employees by hundreds. Thirty trolley-cars were run on special tracks to the place and stood ready to receive the sea streaming towards them. Massed motor-cars waited beyond the trolleys for their owners, officials of the works. The girl in blue serge, standing at a special door of a special building counted, keeping watch meantime of the crowd, the cars. A hundred and twenty-five she made it; it came to her mind that State Street in Albany on a day of some giant parade was not unlike this, not less a throng. The girl, who was secretary to an assistant manager, was used to the sight, but it was an impressive sight and she was impressionable and found each Saturday's pageant a wonder. The pageant was more interesting it may be because it focussed always on one figure -- and here he was.

What this Textopian page supports

Only One of Them is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews, dated 1914 CE.

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

Good citation fit

Similar titles

Genres

Tags

Literary Fiction · Short Story Collection · American Literature · Early 20th Century · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Marriage Dynamics · Family Relationships · Morality Tales · Realism · Psychological Insight · Character Study

More by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews