The fairground crush

An original fiction passage set in the nineteenth century.

The fair’s narrow entrance had filled with people before the fireworks began. A seller stood beside the gate with a tray of bright paper fans. He called that there was room inside for everybody. Daniel, who had brought his little brother, could see only shoulders and the backs of hats. The child held his coat rather than his hand because there was no space between them.

A loud crack sounded from the field. People at the gate pushed forward, believing the display had started. Those already inside tried to turn and look up. The two movements met in the passage. Daniel felt his brother’s fingers pull away from the coat. He could not bend far enough to see the child’s face.

He called for the pushing to stop. His voice joined several others and seemed to produce no change. Then the fan seller lifted his tray across the entrance and began sending newcomers towards the side gate. A woman beside Daniel raised the child onto a stone step. The space around him opened just enough for Daniel to reach his hand.

The fireworks were delayed. When the crowd finally spread into the field, Daniel remained by the step until his brother’s breathing slowed. The seller offered them a fan without charge. Daniel accepted it, but asked whether both gates could remain open. The colours above the field were beautiful. He watched his brother before looking at them.

“The passage successfully shows how excitement can obscure awareness of danger.”

Evaluate how successfully the writer presents this idea. Support your judgement with detailed references to the passage.