The Story of Tempe Wick
A young girl named Temperance Wick lives with her cruel and abusive father. She escapes from him and finds refuge with a kind old woman who takes care of her. The story explores themes of cruelty, kindness, and the consequences of one's actions.
By Frank R. Stockton · First published 1869 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Young Adult · 2,054 words
First lines
There are so many curious and unexpected things which may happen in time of war, especially to people who live in parts of a country where the enemy may be expected to come, or where the friendly army is already encamped, that it is impossible to guard against unpleasant occurrences; and it often happens that the only thing to be depended upon when an emergency arises, is presence of mind, and quickness of wit.
In these qualities, New Jersey girls have never shown themselves behind their sisters of other parts of the country, and a very good proof of this is shown by an incident which took place near Morristown during the time that the American army was quartered in that neighborhood.
What this Textopian page supports
The Story of Tempe Wick is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Frank R. Stockton
- Date: 1869 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Young Adult, Drama, Folklore
- Length: 2,054 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Story of Tempe Wick 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Story of Tempe Wick?
- How does this short story by Frank R. Stockton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The story is set during the American Revolutionary War and incorporates historical elements and figures, such as Washington's army, into its narrative.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around Tempe's daring escape and clever tactics to protect her horse from soldiers, providing a sense of excitement and action.
- Young Adult — The protagonist is a young girl, and the story focuses on her bravery and resourcefulness, appealing to a younger audience.
- Drama — The narrative includes emotional and moral conflicts, such as loyalty and betrayal, as Tempe faces unexpected challenges from her own countrymen.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Children's Literature · Classic · Adventure · Fantasy · Romance · Friendship · Coming-of-age · Mystery · Humor · Satire