Active Service

"Active Service" by Stephen Crane is a story brimming with romance, tension, and messy relationships, especially through Marjory Wainwright—a young woman caught between her heart's desire for Rufus Coleman and her father's stern disapproval, which stems from Coleman's risky and questionable career path. Set against the backdrop of scholarly life and societal norms, the story kicks off with a heated clash between Marjory and her father, an old professor, when she declares her intent to marry Coleman, resulting in an emotionally charged atmosphere because of the professor's strong objections to Coleman as a suitable partner. Although hesitant at first, Marjory's resolve hardens as she confronts her father's expectations, unveiling deep family bonds and the struggle between parental authority and the desires of youth; ultimately, framed within the setting of the professor's academic world, the complexities of Marjory's feelings and the drama of her engagement hints at the development of bigger topics, like societal standards versus personal happiness.