Arthur Le Bride
The narrative follows two cousins, Arthur and the narrator, who enjoy a carefree day by the seaside. Their leisure is interrupted by a sergeant and his men, who attempt to recruit them into military service with enticing offers of money and rewards. The cousins, however, refuse the enlistment, expressing their loyalty to their country and disdain for the sergeant's bribes. Tensions escalate when the sergeant insults them, leading to a physical confrontation. The cousins retaliate, overpowering the soldiers and humiliating them by using their instruments as makeshift footballs. After the scuffle, they discard the soldiers' weapons into the sea, signifying their defiance and independence. The story captures themes of camaraderie, rebellion against authority, and the spirit of youth. The setting serves as a backdrop for the exploration of personal freedom versus societal expectations, with the seaside symbolizing both escape and adventure. The characters embody a youthful bravado, showcasing their determination to resist coercion and maintain their autonomy. The tone is light-hearted yet carries an undercurrent of resistance against militarism and the pressures of conformity.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1900 · Genre: Poetry, Ballad, Historical Fiction · 458 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. I once had a cousin called Arthur Le Bride, And he and I wandered adown the sea side, For our pleasure and pastime a watching the tide; O the weather was pleasant and charming.
What this Textopian page supports
Arthur Le Bride is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1900 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Ballad, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Folklore
- Length: 458 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Arthur Le Bride by Sabine Baring-Gould
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- The Men That Fought At Minden by Rudyard Kipling
- The Men That Fought At Minden by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Ballad — The narrative style and storytelling elements align with the characteristics of a ballad, recounting a tale of adventure and conflict.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and references to military enlistment suggest a historical context, reflecting societal themes of the time.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey and encounters that embody the spirit of adventure.
Tags
poetry · narrative · historical · adventure · friendship · military · Christmas · bravery · rebellion · sea · youth · cousins