Fish out of Water by Grant Allen
Fish out of Water is a novel by Grant Allen that tells the story of a young man named Philip who finds himself stranded on an island after his ship sinks. The book follows Philip's struggles to survive and adapt to his new environment, as well as his interactions with the native inhabitants of the island. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about life, love, and human nature.
By Grant Allen · First published 1893 · Genre: Natural History, Travel and Exploration, Science and Nature · 4,788 words
First lines
Strolling one day in what is euphemistically termed, in equatorial latitudes, 'the cool of the evening,' along a tangled tropical American field-path, through a low region of lagoons and watercourses, my attention happened to be momentarily attracted from the monotonous pursuit of the nimble mosquito by a small animal scuttling along irregularly before me, as if in a great hurry to get out of my way before I could turn him into an excellent specimen. At first sight I took the little hopper, in the grey dusk, for one of the common, small green lizards, and wasn't much disposed to pay it any distinguished share either of personal or scientific attention. But as I walked on a little further through the dense underbrush, more and more of these shuffling and scurrying little creatures kept crossing the path, hastily, all in one direction, and all, as it were, in a formed body or marching phalanx.
What this Textopian page supports
Fish out of Water is listed on Textopian as a short story by Grant Allen, dated 1893 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Grant Allen
- Date: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Natural History, Travel and Exploration, Science and Nature, Adventure, Educational
- Length: 4,788 words
- Structure: 1 section, 34 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Fish out of Water by Grant Allen
- 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 Fish out of Water?
- How does this short story by Grant Allen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Natural History first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Giraffe by Frank R. Stockton
- Living In Smoke by Frank R. Stockton
- On The Wings Of The Wind by Grant Allen
- A Jolly Fellowship by Frank R. Stockton
- A Giant Puff Ball by Frank R. Stockton
- A Wax And Honey Moon by Sabine Baring Gould
Genres
- Natural History — The text provides detailed observations and descriptions of various fish species and their behaviors, focusing on their adaptations to terrestrial environments.
- Travel and Exploration — The narrative style and setting in tropical regions suggest an exploration of exotic locales and natural phenomena.
- Science and Nature — The work discusses evolutionary theories and biological adaptations, reflecting scientific inquiry into the natural world.
- Adventure — The depiction of fish undertaking journeys across land and the challenges they face adds an adventurous element to the narrative.
Tags
adventure · humor · mystery · science · nature · exploration · friendship · quirky · eccentric · animals · society · philosophy