The Cue by Thomas Burke (1920)
In a bustling, gritty area near the docks, life pulses with energy and tension. The setting is marked by the clash of cultures and the raw emotions of love and ambition. Amidst this backdrop, a tale unfolds involving a half-caste musician and a music hall performer. The musician, Cheng Brander, is infatuated with Jewell Angell, a vibrant and independent woman who works alongside him in an acrobatic act. Their relationship is fraught with complexity, as she dismisses his advances, asserting her loyalty to her long-time partner, Johnnie. Cheng's obsession with Jewell intensifies, leading to a volatile encounter where he expresses both desire and aggression. Despite her rejection, he cannot shake the need to possess her, revealing a darker side to his character. The narrative explores themes of unrequited love, racial identity, and the harsh realities of life in the entertainment industry. As the story progresses, the tension culminates during a performance where Cheng, now the musical director, deliberately sabotages Johnnie's act by misdirecting the music cues. This act of vengeance results in a catastrophic accident, leading to Johnnie's fall and injury. The audience's horror contrasts sharply with Cheng's cold satisfaction, highlighting his moral decay and the destructive nature of his obsession. The work delves into the psychological turmoil of its characters, particularly Cheng, who grapples with his identity and the consequences of his actions. The narrative is rich with vivid imagery and emotional depth, capturing the essence of a world where dreams collide with harsh realities, and love can turn into a weapon of destruction. The final moments leave a haunting impression, as the show must go on, indifferent to the tragedy that has unfolded.
By Thomas Burke · First published 1920 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance · 3,092 words
First lines
Down Wapping way, where the streets rush right and left to water-side and depot, life ran high. Tide was at flood, and below the Old Stairs the waters lashed themselves to fury. Against the savage purple of the night rose a few wisps of rigging and some gruff funnels: lyrics in steel and iron, their leaping lines as correct and ecstatic as a rhymed verse. Under the cold glare of the arc lights, gangs of Asiatics hurried with that impassive swiftness which gives no impression of haste. The acrid tang of the East hung on every breath of air.
What this Textopian page supports
The Cue is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Burke, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance, Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 3,092 words
- Structure: 1 section, 34 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Cue by Thomas Burke
- 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 The Cue?
- 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 book explores complex themes of love, identity, and cultural conflict through rich character development and nuanced prose.
- Drama — The narrative centers around a dramatic incident in a music hall, highlighting interpersonal conflicts and emotional tensions.
- Romance — Romantic relationships and unrequited love are central to the plot, particularly the dynamics between the characters.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, the story reflects the social and cultural dynamics of early 20th-century London.
Tags
mystery · suspense · crime · detective · thriller · noir · London · intrigue · psychological · plot twist · character study · dark