Primo Levi, "The Death of Marinese"

A captured soldier makes a last ditch effort.

(from A Tranquil Star)

But what's it a last ditch effort to do? Kill himself? Take some enemy soldiers with him? Get some final shred of honor, or relief. This is a short short story — as, I believe, is Levi's m.o. — but its one scene is not wanting for detail. It radiates desperation, horror and maybe a little wonder. Very engaging. But we know the title, and we know, Marinese is so doomed.

The Decemberists, "July, July"