The Cloud by Oliver Herford (1910)
The narrative unfolds at a wayside shrine in France, where Celeste, a maiden, engages in a conversation with a solitary cloud. She expresses curiosity about the cloud's thoughts, to which the cloud responds, revealing its own loneliness and its observations of Celeste. The cloud recounts the tale of Penelope, a queen who cleverly unraveled her weaving each night to delay her suitors while waiting for her husband, Ulysses, to return. This prompts Celeste to reflect on her own situation, as she waits for Pierre, her lover, who is in the Flying Corps. As they converse, Celeste describes the cloud's changing shapes, likening it to various creatures. The cloud, intrigued, asks what it resembles at that moment. Their dialogue is interrupted by Celeste's alarm at a distant sound, which she fears may be related to Pierre's safety. She prays for his well-being, clutching a cross given to her by her mother. The cloud reassures her, suggesting that divine protection is at play. Pierre then appears, having successfully landed after a dangerous mission. He recounts how he was saved by the cloud, which he perceived as a protective figure during an aerial attack. Celeste, relieved, expresses gratitude and vows to light candles in thanks—one for Pierre and another for the cloud that shielded him. The work explores themes of love, protection, and the intertwining of human experiences with nature, emphasizing the cloud's role as a guardian in the midst of war.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Drama, Poetry, Romance · 1,165 words
First lines
SECNE: _A wayside shrine in France_.
PERSONS: Celeste, Pierre, a Cloud.
What this Textopian page supports
The Cloud is listed on Textopian as a play by Oliver Herford, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Poetry, Romance, Fantasy, War
- Length: 1,165 words
- Structure: 1 section, 35 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Cloud by Oliver Herford
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Cloud?
- How does this play by Oliver Herford fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Angels Toys by Oliver Herford
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Genres
- Drama — The play explores emotional themes of love, loss, and hope, centered around the characters' interactions and the tension of war.
- Poetry — The dialogue features lyrical language and poetic devices, reflecting the beauty and complexity of the characters' thoughts and feelings.
- Romance — The relationship between Celeste and Pierre is central to the plot, highlighting themes of love and devotion amidst the backdrop of conflict.
- Fantasy — The personification of the Cloud as a character adds a fantastical element, allowing for imaginative dialogue and themes.
Tags
Poetry · Humor · Satire · Fantasy · Clouds · Weather · Nature · Imagination · Dreams · Reality · Illusion · Symbolism