Of a Night in War-Time
The narrative unfolds in a shop where a diverse group of individuals gathers to share stories and camaraderie. The setting is marked by a sense of tranquility, contrasting sharply with the chaos of war occurring elsewhere. The characters include Ho Ling, Cheng Huan, Sway Too, a Malay seaman, and two Englishmen, Bill Hawkins and Jack Brown. Their interactions highlight themes of friendship and the solace found in companionship amidst turmoil. As they converse, the atmosphere is imbued with nostalgia and reflection, evoking memories of lost times and unfulfilled dreams. The moon serves as a symbol of both beauty and the stark reality of conflict, illuminating the divide between their peaceful gathering and the violence that rages in another land. The characters' discussions touch on various topics, revealing their backgrounds and perspectives, while the underlying tension of the war looms over their interactions. The narrative explores the human condition, emphasizing the importance of connection and shared experiences in times of strife. The juxtaposition of their serene moment against the backdrop of war serves to underscore the fragility of peace and the resilience of the human spirit. The work ultimately reflects on the nature of existence, the bonds formed in adversity, and the bittersweet nature of memory and hope.
By Thomas Burke · First published 1917 · Genre: Literary Fiction, War Literature, Historical Fiction · 210 words
First lines
Upon a night I sat behind my shop, In happy talk with casual company: The upright Ho Ling, the grave Cheng Huan, And the round-bodied and amiable Sway Too, of my own country; Together with the maid of the golden curls, A sad-eyed seaman from Malay, And two pale Englishmen, Bill Hawkins and Jack Brown.
We sat beneath the lantern, and drank our tchah in fellowship, And spoke of this and of that. And the moon rose and mated with the soft smells of my store, And brought forth a spirit that spoke to us Of things forgotten or lost, or long despaired of.
What this Textopian page supports
Of a Night in War-Time is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Burke, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas Burke
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, War Literature, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Poetry
- Length: 210 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Of a Night in War-Time by Thomas Burke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Of a Night in War-Time?
- How does this short story by Thomas Burke 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 work explores deep themes of friendship, memory, and the contrast between personal experiences and the horrors of war.
- War Literature — The narrative reflects on the impact of war on individuals and society, highlighting the juxtaposition of personal peace against the backdrop of conflict.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and characters suggest a historical context, providing insight into the social dynamics during wartime.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text delves into existential themes, pondering the nature of human experience amidst chaos.
Tags
war · night · conflict · London · drama · humanity · survival · courage · fear · loss · hope · despair