De Banana by Grant Allen (1895)
"De Banana" is a novel by Grant Allen that explores the themes of colonialism and imperialism in Africa during the late 19th century. The story follows a group of British adventurers who travel to an uncharted island off the coast of West Africa, where they encounter a mysterious tribe known as the Banana people. As the characters become more involved with the Bananas, they begin to question their own beliefs and values, ultimately leading to a dramatic climax that challenges the very foundations of European civilization.
By Grant Allen · First published 1895 · Genre: Non-fiction, Botanical Literature, Cultural Commentary · 5,851 words
First lines
The title which heads this paper is intended to be Latin, and is modelled on the precedent of the De Amicitia, De Senectute, De Corona, and other time-honoured plagues of our innocent boyhood. It is meant to give dignity and authority to the subject with which it deals, as well as to rouse curiosity in the ingenuous breast of the candid reader, who may perhaps mistake it, at first sight, for negro-English, or for the name of a distinguished Norman family. In anticipation of the possible objection that the word 'Banana' is not strictly classical, I would humbly urge the precept and example of my old friend Horace -- enemy I once thought him -- who expresses his approbation of those happy innovations whereby Latium was gradually enriched with a copious vocabulary. I maintain that if Banana, bananae, &c., is not already a Latin noun of the first declension, why then it ought to be, and it shall be in future. Linnaeus indeed thought otherwise.
What this Textopian page supports
De Banana is listed on Textopian as a novel by Grant Allen, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Grant Allen
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Non-fiction, Botanical Literature, Cultural Commentary, Humor, Travel Literature
- Length: 5,851 words
- Structure: 1 section, 44 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Non-fiction — The text is an informative essay discussing the banana, its history, cultivation, and cultural significance.
- Botanical Literature — The work provides detailed botanical information about the banana plant, including its classification and propagation.
- Cultural Commentary — The text explores cultural and historical aspects of the banana, including its role in different societies and its economic impact.
- Humor — The writing style includes humorous observations and witty remarks about the banana and related topics.
Tags
adventure · mystery · humor · tropical · island · romance · suspense · exploration · cultural · food · friendship · betrayal