The Outcasts

Name: The Outcasts
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The narrative unfolds in a time of imperial pride, reflecting on the British Empire's vastness and the interconnectedness of its nations. It begins with a hymn celebrating the unity and strength of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and India, invoking divine protection and guidance for all its peoples. The poem emphasizes themes of brotherhood, equality, and the moral duty to support the weaker members of society. The story shifts focus to three women standing by a river, each grappling with their own struggles and societal rejection. One laments her mother's illness and her own sinful means of survival. The second, born an outcast, questions the blame placed upon her for her circumstances. The third, burdened by shame, yearns for escape from her painful existence. As they contemplate their fates, a pious man passes by, disturbed by their plight, yet chooses to ignore them, highlighting societal judgment and the tendency to turn away from those in need. In contrast, an angelic figure embraces the outcast women, offering them solace and protection, while the devil retreats with the righteous man, symbolizing the moral conflict between compassion and condemnation. The work explores themes of social justice, the complexities of human morality, and the struggle for redemption amidst societal scorn. It critiques the hypocrisy of those who claim moral superiority while neglecting the suffering of others, ultimately advocating for empathy and understanding towards the marginalized. The narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the shared humanity that binds all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Religious · 961 words

First lines

1. A HYMN OF EMPIRE

(Coronation Year, 1911)

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The Outcasts is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1893 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1893 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Religious, Historical, Drama
Length: 961 words
Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured as a poem, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes.
Social Commentary — The poem addresses themes of social justice, outcasts, and societal judgment.
Religious — The text includes references to divine protection and moral guidance, reflecting religious themes.
Historical — The poem references historical and cultural elements related to the British Empire.