The Russian
A dinner party of six men, including a U.S. Senator, a Judge, a doctor, and a Russian General, engages in a heated debate about the impact of the Great War on democracy. The Senator argues that the war hindered democratic progress, while the General contends that it fostered it. The conversation shifts to a personal story from the Judge's past, recounting an incident from 1917 when he helped a group of lost Russian boys register for the draft. The Judge recalls how, during a stormy night, he and his mother encountered the boys, who were new to America and struggling with the language. He drove them to the polling place just in time, aided by a young woman who offered her car. One of the Russian boys, a towering figure, expressed deep gratitude and promised to repay the Judge one day. As the Judge's narrative unfolds, he describes his experiences in the war, including a moment when he was saved from certain death by the same Russian boy, who had become a soldier. The General interjects, revealing that the boy later became an officer and was educated through the Judge's efforts, illustrating the transformative power of war and the bonds formed between men of different backgrounds. The General emphasizes that the war broke down social barriers, allowing individuals to rise above their circumstances and become equals. He argues that the war was a catalyst for democracy, liberating people from oppression and enabling them to pursue their potential. The men in the room are moved by the General's passionate defense of democracy and the sacrifices made during the war. The conversation concludes with the parson asking about the Judge's earlier mention of the Russian boy's promise to marry "Miss Angel." The General reveals that he is indeed the boy from the story, and he presents a jeweled miniature of the woman he loves, confirming their connection and the fulfillment of the boy's promise. The gathering reflects on the profound impact of war on personal lives and the enduring hope for democracy and human connection.
By Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews · First published 1916 · Genre: Historical Fiction, War Literature, Drama · 4,023 words
First lines
The little dinner-party of grizzled men strayed from the dining-room and across the hall into the vast library, arguing mightily.
"The great war didn't do it. World democracy was on the way. The war held it back."
What this Textopian page supports
The Russian is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews, 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: Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, War Literature, Drama, Social Commentary, Character Study
- Length: 4,023 words
- Structure: 1 section, 41 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Russian by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
- 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 The Russian?
- How does this short story by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against the backdrop of World War I and explores themes of democracy and personal transformation during this historical period.
- War Literature — The story revolves around the experiences of soldiers and the impact of war on individuals and society, highlighting heroism and sacrifice.
- Drama — The interactions and emotional exchanges among characters create a dramatic tension that drives the narrative.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques social hierarchies and explores themes of equality and brotherhood through the lens of war and personal relationships.
Tags
Historical Fiction · War Novel · Russian Literature · WWI Fiction · Family Drama · Love Story · Tragedy · Loss of Innocence · Coming of Age · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Nationalism