Whispering Tongues

by Homer Greene

"Whispering Tongues" by Homer Greene is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds at Concord College, focusing on a group of sophomores enjoying their youth, but it soon delves into themes of rivalry, hazing, and moral dilemmas. The central characters include Parmenter, a popular and charismatic student, and Charley Lee, the professor's son, who navigate the complexities of friendship, ambition, and the consequences of their actions. At the start of the novel, a group of Concord College sophomores sings jovially as they make their way across the campus during a moonlit evening. Among them is Parmenter, who is admired for his leadership. The mood shifts when the sophomores encounter Van Loan, an arrogant freshman who flaunts college rules by carrying a cane and wearing a silk hat, which leads to a physical confrontation. The gathering turns chaotic, culminating in an escalation of tensions that highlights the culture of hazing at the college. The fallout from this conflict sets the stage for deeper explorations of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral implications of their youthful antics as friendships are tested.