The Magical Chance by Dallas Lore Sharp

The narrative explores the theme of lost opportunities and the quest for adventure in a world perceived as conventional and stagnant. The protagonist reflects on the disillusionment of youth, particularly through the eyes of a college graduate who feels unprepared for life. The text contrasts past figures like Richard Henry Dana, Henry David Thoreau, and Jack London, who seized their "magical chances" for escape and adventure, with contemporary youth who seem trapped by societal expectations and materialism. The author argues that while the physical frontiers may have disappeared, the essence of adventure remains accessible through personal choices and inner exploration. The narrative emphasizes that every day presents opportunities for escape from the mundane, urging readers to seek out their own adventures, regardless of the constraints of modern life. Ultimately, it posits that the spirit of adventure is eternal, waiting to be embraced by those willing to look beyond the surface of their surroundings.

By Dallas Lore Sharp · First published 1920 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature · 8 chapters · 49,904 words

First lines

"What are you going to say to the college girls? " my pretty niece asked, as we motored down the valley. She was being graduated this spring, and the snowy dogwoods and the purple Judas-trees against the tender hillsides were not so fresh, nor half so full of bloom, as she. But they were gayer far than she.

"Don't tell them, uncle, how wonderful they are! How the world waits for them! Don't say it, uncle! I have heard that sort of talk for these four years, and here I am with nobody waiting for me; not fitted for anything; nothing to do; and as wonderful -- as thirty cents!"

• Open reader

What this Textopian page supports

The Magical Chance is listed on Textopian as a novel by Dallas Lore Sharp, dated 1920 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Dallas Lore Sharp
• Date: 1920 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature
• Length: 49,904 words
• Structure: 8 chapters, 612 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Magical Chance by Dallas Lore Sharp
• 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

Similar titles

• Uncle Luckys Dream by David Cory
• The Lost House by George Macdonald
• The Soft Place by Frank R. Stockton
• To The Clouds by George Macdonald
• The Girl That Lost Things by George Macdonald
• At The Back Of The North Wind by George Macdonald

Genres

• Fantasy — The title 'The Magical Chance' suggests elements of magic and fantasy are essential to the plot.
• Adventure — 'The Magical Chance' may also encapsulate adventurous elements considering the element of 'Chance' in the title, as this often relates to unexpected events and circumstances.
• Children's Literature — Dallas Lore Sharp is known for writing for a younger audience, making this potentially suitable for the genre of children's literature.

Tags

magic · adventure · fantasy · friendship · imagination · nature · childhood · exploration · wonder · mystery · growth · self-discovery

Contents

• THE MAGICAL CHANCE
• THE RADIUM OF ROMANCE
• THE HUNT FOR "COPY"
• THE DUTY TO DIG
• THE MAN AND THE BOOK
• A JANUARY SUMMER
• AFTER THE LOGGERS
• WOODCHUCK LODGE AND LITERATURE

More by Dallas Lore Sharp

• The Seer of Slabsides (1921)
• Roof and Meadow (1928)
• The Hills of Hingham (1923)
• A Watcher in the Woods (1940)
• The Spring of the Year (1927)
• Summer (1948)
• Winter (1925)
• The Fall of the Year (1923)
• All works by Dallas Lore Sharp