how a writer develops characters; story structure; an opening that makes readers want to read on; a powerful closing paragraph that makes them think deeply about the story
This short story by Irish writer, Frank O’Connor (pictured), is based on a true incident during the Irish War of Independence, a guerrilla war between the British forces in Ireland and the Irish Republican Army from 1919 to 1921. In the story, two English soldiers have been captured by Irish rebels and are being held captive in a remote farmhouse. Though their countries are at war, the men talk, play card games and get to know each other. When news of the execution of Irish prisoners comes through, however, the story darkens.
Cast of characters Belcher: an English prisoner Bonaparte: the Irish soldier narrator
Jeremiah Donovan: the officer in command of the group of Irish guerrilla fighters
Feeney: an Irish intelligence officer who brings news of the outside world to the farmhouse Hawkins: the second English prisoner
Noble: the other Irish soldier guarding Belcher and Hawkins The old woman: tends the house and feeds the men
D 60
FIRE AND ICE 2
Guerrilla soldiers
are not members of an official army. They make surprise attacks on their enemies.
Fun FAct
This story has inspired two films and has been performed as a play in New York and other cities.
