Derelict. a Tale of the Wayward Sea
The narrative follows a man stranded on the derelict ship _Sparhawk_ after a shipwreck. He survives alone for days, grappling with despair and uncertainty about rescue. His situation changes when he spots another derelict vessel, _La Fidelite_, and discovers a woman aboard, Mary Phillips, who signals him. Through a series of communications, he learns that his love, Bertha Nugent, is also on the steamer. As they attempt to connect, a series of misfortunes and misunderstandings ensue, leading to emotional turmoil for the protagonist, who fears he may never see Bertha again. After a harrowing wait, he is rescued by another ship, where he learns that Bertha is safe but has been taken elsewhere. The protagonist's journey culminates in a reunion with Bertha, facilitated by Mary Phillips, who plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the two lovers. The story explores themes of love, hope, and the unpredictability of fate, ultimately leading to a resolution where love triumphs despite the challenges faced at sea.
By Frank R. Stockton · First published 1897 · Genre: Adventure, Nautical Fiction, Drama · 18,552 words
First lines
I. On the 25th of May, 1887, I sat alone upon the deck of the _Sparhawk_, a three-masted schooner, built, according to a description in the cabin, at Sackport, Me. I was not only alone on the deck, but I was alone on the ship. The _Sparhawk_ was a "derelict"; that is, if a vessel with a man on board of her can be said to be totally abandoned.
What this Textopian page supports
Derelict. a Tale of the Wayward Sea is listed on Textopian as a novella by Frank R. Stockton, dated 1897 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: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Nautical Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction, Mystery
- Length: 18,552 words
- Structure: 1 section, 287 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Derelict. a Tale of the Wayward Sea by Frank R. Stockton
- 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
- Jellands Voyage by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- The Story Of The Discovery Of Scheyichbi by Frank R. Stockton
- In The Roar Of The Sea by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Isle Of Ruim by Grant Allen
- A Voyage by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Snarleyyow by Frederick Marryat
Genres
- Adventure — The plot centers around a sea voyage and the challenges faced by the characters.
- Nautical Fiction — The story is set on the sea and involves maritime themes and settings.
- Drama — The narrative includes intense character interactions and emotional conflicts.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context reflect a specific historical period, adding depth to the narrative.
Tags
adventure · sea · shipwreck · mystery · exploration · survival · island · maritime · fantasy · narrative · characters · journey