Last Words
by Stephen Crane (1871–1900)
- Free to read
- 5 hours to read
- 14 chapters
- Reading level: 6th grade
"Last Words" by Stephen Crane is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The stories within this collection range widely in themes and settings, including tales of war, personal conflict, and observations of human nature, showcasing Crane's characteristic lyrical style and psychological depth. The opening of "Last Words" introduces readers to two characters at the beach, engaging in a humorous and somewhat juvenile critique of one another's physical appearances as they prepare to go swimming. The freckled man expresses a sense of vanity and self-consciousness about his looks, prompting a spirited back-and-forth with his taller companion. The dialogue captures their contrasting personalities, with the freckled man attempting to assert himself despite the tall man's blunt honesty. This dynamic serves as a gentle exploration of friendship, embarrassment, and the human condition, setting the stage for more introspective and dramatic themes to emerge later in the collection.
Read the opening
Chapter I
Two men sat by the sea waves.
"Well, I know I'm not handsome," said one gloomily. He was poking holes in the sand with a discontented cane.
The companion was watching the waves play. He seemed overcome with perspiring discomfort as a man who is resolved to set another man right.
Suddenly his mouth turned into a straight line. "To be sure you are not," he cried vehemently. "You look like thunder. I do not desire to be unpleasant, but I must assure you that your freckled skin continually reminds spectators of white wall paper with gilt roses on it. The top of your head looks like a little wooden plate. And your figure—heavens!"
For a time they were silent. They stared at the waves that purred near their feet like sleepy sea-kittens.
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About this edition
This free edition of Last Words by Stephen Crane comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #33579, released 2010-08-30. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Short Stories, American Literature.
Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).
