Spanish Prisoners of War (from Literature and Life)

Name: Spanish Prisoners of War (from Literature and Life)
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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History - American History - Warfare

About This Book

A narrator recounts the arrival of several thousand Spanish prisoners at a New England port after naval defeat, observing them aboard a gray warship and later confined on a nearby island ringed with stockade and barracks. He contrasts the island's pastoral beauty and tidy coastal scenery with the prisoners' dislocation, noting sentries, Gatling guns, and guarded routines, and reflects on the absurdity and inconsequence of wartime capture. After obtaining a permit to visit, he crosses a quiet navy yard and approaches the camp, capturing both descriptive detail of place and thoughtful meditation on captivity's human and aesthetic dimensions.

About the Author

William Dean Howells

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an influential American author and literary critic, often regarded as the "Dean of American Letters." He is best known for his realistic portrayals of American life and society, particularly in the late 19th century. Howells's works often explore themes of social class and morality, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life. His notable novel, "A Hazard of New Fortunes," delves into the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society. Throughout his career, Howells contributed significantly to the development of realism in American literature, advocating for a more truthful representation of everyday experiences.