A Tale of Negative Gravity
The story revolves around a young boy who discovers a mysterious force that allows him to defy gravity and float above the ground. As he explores this phenomenon, he learns about its limitations and consequences, leading to a deeper understanding of the world's physical laws. The narrative delves into themes of curiosity, discovery, and responsibility, as the protagonist navigates his newfound abilities and grapples with the implications of playing with fundamental forces of nature. Throughout the tale, the author explores the intersection of science and imagination, creating a sense of wonder and enchantment that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
By Frank R. Stockton · First published 1869 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure · 10,330 words
First lines
My wife and I were staying at a small town in northern Italy; and on a certain pleasant afternoon in spring we had taken a walk of six or seven miles to see the sun set behind some low mountains to the west of the town. Most of our walk had been along a hard, smooth highway, and then we turned into a series of narrower roads, sometimes bordered by walls, and sometimes by light fences of reed or cane. Nearing the mountain, to a low spur of which we intended to ascend, we easily scaled a wall about four feet high, and found ourselves upon pasture-land, which led, sometimes by gradual ascents, and sometimes by bits of rough climbing, to the spot we wished to reach. We were afraid we were a little late, and therefore hurried on, running up the grassy hills, and bounding briskly over the rough and rocky places. I carried a knapsack strapped firmly to my shoulders, and under my wife's arm was a large, soft basket of a kind much used by tourists.
What this Textopian page supports
A Tale of Negative Gravity is listed on Textopian as a novella by Frank R. Stockton, dated 1869 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Frank R. Stockton
- Date: 1869 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Humor, Romance
- Length: 10,330 words
- Structure: 1 section, 164 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for A Tale of Negative Gravity by Frank R. Stockton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The story revolves around a fictional scientific invention that manipulates gravity, a common theme in science fiction.
- Fantasy — The concept of negative gravity and its whimsical applications introduce fantastical elements beyond the realm of current scientific possibility.
- Adventure — The narrative includes adventurous elements such as mountain climbing and the exploration of new experiences enabled by the invention.
- Humor — The story contains humorous situations and character interactions, particularly in the protagonist's encounters with others while using the invention.
Tags
Science Fiction · Fantasy · Adventure · Mystery · Thriller · Imaginary World · Alternate Reality · Speculative Fiction · Paranormal · Supernatural · Time Travel · Parallel Universe