Lt. Col. N. M. Percy by Ring Lardner
The narrative follows a military officer, a lieutenant colonel, who is characterized by his unique personality and experiences during World War I. The story is presented through a series of letters and dialogues that reveal the interactions between the colonel and various characters, including soldiers, medical staff, and civilians. The colonel is depicted as somewhat pretentious and self-important, often reflecting on his status and the absurdities of military life. His interactions are laced with humor and irony, showcasing the contrast between his lofty self-image and the realities of war. The colonel's title and background become points of curiosity and ridicule among the soldiers, who question the significance of rank in the face of the chaos of battle. As the story unfolds, themes of camaraderie, the absurdity of war, and the human condition emerge. The colonel's experiences highlight the challenges faced by soldiers, including physical injuries and psychological trauma. The narrative captures the camaraderie among the troops, their coping mechanisms, and the often dark humor they employ to deal with their circumstances. The colonel's character serves as a lens through which the reader can explore the complexities of military hierarchy, the absurdity of titles, and the stark realities of combat. The dialogue is sharp and witty, reflecting the soldiers' perspectives and their ability to find humor in dire situations. The work ultimately critiques the romanticized notions of war and the disconnect between those in command and the soldiers on the front lines. Through the colonel's journey, the narrative examines the impact of war on identity, the struggle for meaning in a chaotic environment, and the bonds formed between individuals facing shared adversity. The story concludes with a reflection on the nature of heroism and the often unrecognized sacrifices made by those who serve.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1928 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Satire, Humor · 57 words
First lines
Surgeon, Chicago A doughboy, preserved by God's mercy And the skill of a surgeon, said "Nursey, Will you tell me why This he-guy from Chi Travels round with a title like ‘Percy'? "
What this Textopian page supports
Lt. Col. N. M. Percy is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ring Lardner, dated 1928 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ring Lardner
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Satire, Humor, War Fiction, Poetry
- Length: 57 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lt. Col. N. M. Percy by Ring Lardner
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Lt. Col. N. M. Percy?
- How does this poem by Ring Lardner fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes and character development, typical of literary fiction.
- Satire — The title and content suggest a satirical take on military life and societal norms.
- Humor — The playful language and absurdity in the dialogue indicate a humorous tone.
- War Fiction — The context of a 'doughboy' and references to military life place it within the war fiction genre.
Tags
satire · war · surgery · humor · military · Chicago · doughboy · title · identity · narrative · poetry · American literature