A Point of Contact

Name: A Point of Contact
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The narrative unfolds in the ancient port city of Tyre, around 1100 BCE, where two significant figures, a Greek chieftain and his companion, discuss their preparations for a military venture. The chieftain, displaying both wisdom and valor, is anxious to set sail for Troy, where a great conflict awaits. His companion, a shorter, swarthy man, reassures him that they will be ready soon, despite recent misfortunes at sea. As they converse, the chieftain reflects on the bustling port filled with merchant ships and laborers, while the priest of Baal approaches, inquiring about their dangerous mission. The Greek reveals that all of Greece has rallied against the Trojans, led by Hector, and mentions a seer named Calchas who foretold a long struggle before victory. The priest suggests consulting the prophetess Alaga, who resides in the temple. The chieftain agrees, intrigued by the prospect of divine insight. Upon entering the sanctuary, they find Alaga tracing patterns in sand, a method of divination. She predicts the chieftain's future glory and the long struggle ahead, emphasizing that his name will endure through the ages. Suddenly, two new figures enter: a ruddy barbarian and his son, who carry a harp. Alaga, startled, declares that the barbarian is even greater than the Greek, foreseeing that both will leave lasting legacies. The Greek, intrigued, learns that the barbarian is David, the future king of Israel, who is focused on building Jerusalem. The two men, representing different destinies, part ways, each destined for greatness in their respective endeavors. The Greek, identified as Odysseus, prepares to embark on his journey to Troy, while David returns to his men, both unaware of how their paths may intertwine in the annals of history. The story highlights the themes of fate, legacy, and the interconnectedness of historical figures, suggesting that their actions will resonate through time.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1924 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 3,418 words

First lines

A curious train of thought is started when one reflects upon those great figures who have trod the stage of this earth, and actually played their parts in the same act, without ever coming face to face, or even knowing of each other's existence. Baber, the Great Mogul, was, for example, overrunning India at the very moment when Hernando Cortez was overrunning Mexico, and yet the two could never have heard of each other. Or, to take a more supreme example, what could the Emperor Augustus Caesar know of a certain Carpenter's shop wherein there worked a dreamy-eyed boy who was destined to change the whole face of the world? It may be, however, that sometimes these great contemporary forces did approach, touch, and separate -- each unaware of the true meaning of the other. So it was in the instance which is now narrated.

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A Point of Contact is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1924 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1924 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama, Philosophical
Length: 3,418 words
Structure: 1 section, 40 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, exploring events and figures from ancient history, particularly around the time of the Trojan War.
Adventure — The plot involves a journey and the anticipation of conflict, characteristic of adventure narratives.
Fantasy — Elements of prophecy and mythical figures are present, blending historical events with fantastical elements.
Drama — The interactions between characters and the emotional weight of their destinies reflect dramatic themes.