Alton Locke's Song
Alton Locke's Song is a novel written by Charles Kingsley that was published in 1850. The book tells the story of Alton Locke, a young man who falls in love with a woman named Mary. However, their relationship is threatened when Mary's father forbids her from marrying Alton due to his low social status. Despite this, Alton and Mary continue to see each other secretly until they are caught by Mary's father and forced to part ways. The novel explores themes of love, classism, and the struggle for social justice in Victorian England.
By Charles Kingsley · First published 1870 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Social Criticism, Literary Fiction · 185 words
First lines
Weep, weep, weep and weep, For pauper, dolt, and slave! Hark! from wasted moor and fen, Feverous alley, stifling den, Swells the wail of Saxon men -- Work! or the grave!
Down, down, down and down, With idler, knave, and tyrant! Why for sluggards cark and moil? He that will not live by toil Has no right on English soil! God's word's our warrant!
Up, up, up and up! Face your game and play it! The night is past, behold the sun! The idols fall, the lie is done! The Judge is set, the doom begun! Who shall stay it?
On Torridge, May 1849.
What this Textopian page supports
Alton Locke's Song is listed on Textopian as a novel by Charles Kingsley, dated 1870 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Charles Kingsley
- Date: 1870 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Social Criticism, Literary Fiction, Drama
- Length: 185 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Alton Locke's Song by Charles Kingsley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Alton Locke's Song?
- How does this novel by Charles Kingsley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Alton Locke Tailor And Poet by Charles Kingsley
- The Miners Daughter A Tale Of The Peak by Charles Dickens
- The Rich And The Poor by Charles Kingsley
- John Sanders Laborer by Francis Hopkinson Smith
- The Gentleman Beggar by Samuel Warren
- His Fortunate Grace by Gertrude Atherton
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The novel is set in the past and emphasizes the daily life and social tensions of the time period.
- Social Criticism — The novel provides critical commentary on society, more specifically on the English class system.
- Literary Fiction — The novel is character-driven, focusing on the emotional growth and personal development of Tailor Alton Locke.
- Drama — The narrative is filled with emotional upheaval, personal conflict and overall dramatic tension.
Tags
social justice · working class · industrial revolution · poetry · class struggle · London · labor rights · artistic expression · political activism · religion · friendship · personal growth