Frank Leigh's Song
The book Song of the Nile by Charles Kingsley is a historical fiction novel set during the time of the Napoleonic Wars in England. The story follows the life of Frank Leigh, a young man who dreams of becoming a sailor and exploring the world. However, his father forbids him from pursuing this dream due to financial reasons. Frank eventually finds himself working as a clerk for a shipping company, but he is still unsatisfied with his life. One day, he meets a mysterious woman named Lily who tells him about the Nile River and its secrets. Frank becomes obsessed with this idea and decides to leave everything behind in order to explore the world. The story follows Frank's journey as he travels across Europe and Africa, encountering various characters along the way. He eventually reaches Egypt where he discovers the true meaning of life and finds his purpose. The book ends with a message about the importance of following one's dreams and not letting anything stand in their way. Overall, Song of the Nile is a captivating story that explores themes such as adventure, love, and self-discovery. It is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction novels.
By Charles Kingsley · First published 1586 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance · 160 words
First lines
Ah tyrant Love, Megaera's serpents bearing, Why thus requite my sighs with venom'd smart? Ah ruthless dove, the vulture's talons wearing, Why flesh them, traitress, in this faithful heart? Is this my meed? Must dragons' teeth alone In Venus' lawns by lovers' hands be sown?
Nay, gentlest Cupid; 'twas my pride undid me; Nay, guiltless dove; by mine own wound I fell.
To worship, not to wed, Celestials bid me: I dreamt to mate in heaven, and wake in hell; For ever doom'd, Ixion-like, to reel On mine own passions' ever-burning wheel.
Devonshire, 1854.
What this Textopian page supports
Frank Leigh's Song is listed on Textopian as a poem by Charles Kingsley, dated 1586 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Charles Kingsley
- Date: 1586 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Poetry, Drama
- Length: 160 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Frank Leigh'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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Frank Leigh's Song?
- How does this poem by Charles Kingsley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Martin Lightfoots Song 346 by Charles Kingsley
- You Shall Live On by Gilbert Parker
- Bairnie by Gilbert Parker
- A Sheaf Of Roses by Elizabeth Gordon
- Jonathan by Francis Hopkinson Smith
- Over The Hills by Gilbert Parker
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in a historical context in the year 1586.
- Adventure — The protagonist, Frank Leigh, embarks on a journey or adventure.
- Romance — The work's title indicates a song, which suggests elements of emotion, love, or relationship - typical characteristics of the Romance genre.
- Poetry — The title refers to a song, which could imply a poetic or lyrical writing style.
Tags
adventure · friendship · music · youth · nature · self-discovery · romance · family · loss · journey · identity · courage