First the Blade: A Comedy of Growth

by Clemence Dane

"First the Blade: A Comedy of Growth" by Clemence Dane is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the lives of two main characters, Laura Valentine and Justin Cloud, as they navigate their childhood and the complexities of maturing relationships against the backdrop of a world affected by war. It explores themes of growth, love, and the challenges of balancing innocence with the realities of adult life. The opening of the novel sets a whimsical yet reflective tone, with the narrator preparing to tell the tale of Laura and Justin's lives. It introduces us to Laura, described as graceful and somewhat delicate, who is coming of age in a world that has been drastically impacted by the war. Justin, her counterpart, is depicted as earnest but perhaps lacking the imaginative spark that contrasts with Laura's whimsical nature. The narrator engages in a conversational style, playfully discussing the characters' development while hinting at the challenges and contrasts in their personalities as the narrative is set to unfold. This beginning hints at both character-driven exploration and a broader commentary on the impact of external circumstances on personal growth.