The Stoker's Story
The story revolves around a group of people who are stranded on a canal boat after a flood and their subsequent struggles to survive. The narrator recounts the events that led up to the disaster and the aftermath, focusing on the psychological and emotional states of the characters as they confront their mortality. Through the narrative, the author explores themes of humanity, morality, and the will to live in the face of catastrophic circumstances.
By Edward Everett Hale · First published 1867 · Genre: Adventure, Drama, Historical Fiction · 603 words
First lines
We were crossing the Atlantic in a Cunarder. I was second stoker on the starboard watch. In that horrible gale we spoke of before dinner, the coal was exhausted, and I, as the best-dressed man, was sent up to the captain to ask him what we should do. I found him himself at the wheel. He almost cursed me, and bade me say nothing of coal, at a moment when he must keep her head to the wind with her full power, or we were lost. He bade me slide my hand into his pocket, and take out the key of the after freight-room, open that, and use the contents for fuel. I returned hastily to the engine- room, and we did as we were bid. The room contained nothing but old account books, which made a hot and effective fire.
What this Textopian page supports
The Stoker's Story is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edward Everett Hale, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edward Everett Hale
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, Historical Fiction, Thriller, Mystery
- Length: 603 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Stoker's Story by Edward Everett Hale
- 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 The Stoker's Story?
- How does this short story by Edward Everett Hale fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a perilous sea voyage and the protagonist's daring actions to save the ship.
- Drama — The story includes intense emotional moments, such as the captain's near-suicide and the protagonist's moral dilemma.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative involves historical elements like the British national debt and the Bank of England.
- Thriller — The tension and suspense are high, especially concerning the secret destruction of important documents.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century · Short Story · Fiction · Historical Fiction · Nautical · Maritime · Adventure · Sea Story · Sailing · Shipwreck · Survival