Aristophanes' Lysistrata, written in 411 BC, is a comedic play and arguably the first anti-war piece.

Stephen Crane's Red Badge of Courage, published in 1895, narrates the experiences of a young soldier during the Civil War.

Jack London's The Call of the Wild, released in 1903, explores whether human behavior is driven by nature (genetics, hormones) or nurture (environment, family life, social experiences).

John Millington Synge's Riders to the Sea, considered by many critics as the perfect one-act play, tells the story of a mother who has lost her husband and all her sons to the sea. Written in 1904, it is a poignant narrative of loss and resilience.