"Tales of the Long Bow" by G. K. Chesterton is a collection of intriguing stories likely written in the early 20th century. The narratives revolve around eccentric characters and improbable events, showcasing the whimsical and sometimes absurd nature of human existence. The opening tale introduces Colonel Crane, a seemingly typical and respectable military man, who surprises his conservative neighbors by walking to church with a cabbage on his head, setting the stage
for a humorous exploration of social conventions and individuality. At the start of the tale, the narrative establishes the context in a mundane suburban setting, with Colonel Crane appearing as a mundane figure among ordinary neighbors. However, a mysterious note leads him to behave quite unconventionally, culminating in his decision to wear a cabbage as a hat while on his way to church. This peculiar act attracts the attention and bewilderment of those around him, particularly focusing on a young woman named Audrey Smith, who admires Crane's audacity. The interaction between the Colonel and Audrey hints at deeper themes of societal pressures, identity, and the tension between convention and individual expression. The opening portion sets a humorous yet thought-provoking tone, inviting readers to ponder the nature of normalcy and the courage it takes to defy it. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Reading ease score: 77.2 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Contents
The unpresentable appearance of Colonel Crane -- The improbable success of Mr. Owen Hood -- The unobtrusive traffic of Captain Pierce -- The elusive companion of Parson White -- The exclusive luxury of Enoch Oates -- The unthinkable theory of Professor Green -- The unprecedented architecture of Commander Blair -- The ultimate ultimatum of the League of the Long Bow.
Credits
Tim Lindell, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)