The Man with One Talent
A mass meeting at Madison Square Garden aims to rally support for Cuban independence. Among the attendees is a young man named Arkwright, who has just returned from three years in Cuba. He is deeply moved by Senator Stanton's speech but is disheartened by the crowd's indifference to the plight of the Cuban people. After the meeting, he approaches Stanton to express his gratitude and share his firsthand experiences of the atrocities in Cuba, including the suffering of innocent civilians. Stanton, a charismatic politician, initially shows interest in Arkwright's account but becomes distracted by his own social circle. Arkwright, eager to convey the urgency of the situation, offers to take Stanton to Cuba to witness the horrors himself. The senator agrees to meet again to discuss the matter further. The next day, Stanton appears less enthusiastic, citing various concerns about the risks involved in such a trip. However, Arkwright remains persistent, emphasizing the moral obligation to act. Eventually, Stanton agrees to travel to Cuba, and the news of his mission generates significant media attention, framing him as a key figure in the fight for Cuban freedom. As Stanton prepares for the trip, he faces pressure from powerful interests who fear that his actions could lead to war and disrupt their financial stakes. Despite his initial intentions, Stanton ultimately succumbs to these pressures and cancels the trip, disappointing Arkwright, who feels betrayed and frustrated. In a heated confrontation, Arkwright accuses Stanton of selfishness and cowardice, challenging him to consider the lives at stake. Stanton, caught between his political ambitions and moral responsibilities, struggles to justify his decision. Arkwright leaves, determined to continue his fight for Cuba, even if it means risking his own life. A month later, news arrives that Arkwright has been killed while attempting to reach the insurgent camp in Cuba. Stanton reflects on Arkwright's sacrifice, realizing that while he may have avoided personal risk, he has failed to act when it mattered most. The story concludes with a poignant commentary on the nature of courage, sacrifice, and the moral responsibilities of those in power.
By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1904 · Genre: Political Fiction, Historical Fiction, Drama · 9,648 words
First lines
The mass-meeting in the Madison Square Garden which was to help set Cuba free was finished, and the people were pushing their way out of the overheated building into the snow and sleet of the streets. They had been greatly stirred and the spell of the last speaker still hung so heavily upon them that as they pressed down the long corridor they were still speaking loudly in his praise.
A young man moved eagerly amongst them, and pushed his way to wherever a voice was raised above the rest. He strained forward, listening openly, as though he tried to judge the effect of the meeting by the verdict of those about him.
What this Textopian page supports
The Man with One Talent is listed on Textopian as a novel by Richard Harding Davis, dated 1904 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Richard Harding Davis
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Fiction, Historical Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Adventure
- Length: 9,648 words
- Structure: 1 section, 134 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Man with One Talent by Richard Harding Davis
- 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 Man with One Talent?
- How does this novel by Richard Harding Davis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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- A Question Of Precedence by Louis Becke
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- There Were Ninety And Nine by Richard Harding Davis
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- The Miracle Of Las Palmas by Richard Harding Davis
Genres
- Political Fiction — The narrative revolves around political themes, particularly the struggle for Cuban independence and the moral dilemmas faced by politicians.
- Historical Fiction — Set against the backdrop of the Cuban War for Independence, the story incorporates historical events and figures.
- Drama — The intense emotional exchanges and moral conflicts between characters create a dramatic atmosphere.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal and political apathy towards humanitarian crises, reflecting on the responsibilities of individuals in power.
Tags
Adventure · American Literature · Classic Novel · Coming-of-Age · Drama · Fiction · Historical Fiction · Literary Fiction · Male Protagonist · Novel · Realism · Social Commentary