The Gray Jacket of "no. 4" by Thomas Nelson Page
The narrative follows a character known as "No. 4," a former soldier who struggles with alcoholism and the consequences of his past. The story begins with an accidental meeting where he recounts his experiences during the war, displaying a sense of pride and camaraderie despite his current state of disarray. He is depicted as a man who once held honor and bravery but has since fallen into a cycle of drinking and despair. As the plot unfolds, "No. 4" is frequently seen in police courts, illustrating his ongoing battle with alcohol. He oscillates between moments of clarity and episodes of drunkenness, revealing his internal conflict and the grip that alcohol has on him. Despite his attempts to reform, he repeatedly succumbs to temptation, leading to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment. The story delves into his past, highlighting his once-promising life, including a plantation and a fiancée, both of which he lost due to his drinking. His mother, a significant figure in his life, instilled in him a fear of alcohol, yet he succumbed to it during his time in the army. The narrative captures his reflections on his life choices, the shame of his addiction, and the memories of his comrades. A pivotal moment occurs during a monument unveiling in Richmond, where "No. 4" temporarily regains his dignity and purpose. He prepares to honor his fallen comrades by wearing his old gray jacket, a symbol of his past valor. However, just before the event, he relapses and finds himself back in jail, desperate to avoid the shame of missing the ceremony. Ultimately, "No. 4" is released and participates in the procession, carrying a tattered flag that represents his unit. The event stirs deep emotions among the crowd, evoking memories of sacrifice and honor. Despite his struggles, he manages to present himself as a soldier once more, albeit briefly. Tragedy strikes when "No. 4" loses his mother, leading to a downward spiral into severe alcoholism. His condition deteriorates, culminating in a delirious state where he grapples with his past and the chains of addiction. In his final moments, he expresses a desire to reunite with his old commander, "old Joe," signifying his longing for redemption and connection to his former self. The story concludes with "No. 4" receiving a soldier's burial, symbolizing a return to honor despite the shame of his later life. The narrative serves as a poignant exploration of the effects of war, the struggle with addiction, and the enduring bonds of camaraderie among soldiers.
By Thomas Nelson Page · First published 1895 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Drama · 9,301 words
First lines
My meeting with him was accidental. I came across him passing through / "the square". I had seen him once or twice on the street, each time / lurching along so drunk that he could scarcely stagger, so that I was / surprised to hear what he said about the war. He was talking to someone / who evidently had been in the army himself, but on the other side -- a / gentleman with the loyal-legion button in his coat, and with a beautiful / scar, a sabre-cut across his face. He was telling of a charge in some / battle or skirmish in which, he declared, his company, not himself -- for / I remember he said he was "No. 4", and was generally told off to hold / the horses; and that that day he had had the ill luck to lose his horse / and get a little scratch himself, so he was not in the charge -- did the / finest work he ever saw, and really (so he claimed) saved the day. It / was this self-abnegation that first arrested my attention, for I had / been accustomed all my life to hear the war talked of; it was one of the / inspiring influences in my humdrum existence. But the speakers, / although they generally boasted of their commands, never of themselves / individually, usually admitted that they themselves had been in the / active force, and thus tacitly shared in the credit. "No. 4", however, / expressly disclaimed that he was entitled to any of the praise, / declaring that he was safe behind the crest of the hill (which he said / he "hugged mighty close"), and claimed the glory for the rest of the / command.
What this Textopian page supports
The Gray Jacket of "no. 4" is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Nelson Page, dated 1895 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 Nelson Page
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Tragedy
- Length: 9,301 words
- Structure: 1 section, 48 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Gray Jacket of "no. 4" by Thomas Nelson Page
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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- Colonel Carter Of Cartersville by Francis Hopkinson Smith
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores deep themes of personal struggle, redemption, and the human condition, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Historical Fiction — Set in the post-Civil War South, it reflects historical events and societal issues of the time.
- Drama — The narrative focuses on intense personal conflicts and emotional struggles, typical of dramatic literature.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques social issues such as alcoholism, veteran struggles, and societal neglect.
Tags
Civil War · historical fiction · Southern literature · military · coming of age · friendship · loyalty · bravery · sacrifice · family · identity · adventure