High Life by Grant Allen (1894)
"High Life" is a novel by Grant Allen that explores the themes of social class and ambition in Victorian England. The story follows the life of Richard Hardy, a young man from a working-class background who aspires to rise above his station through education and hard work. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and challenges that test his resolve and determination. Ultimately, the novel offers a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of success and the price one must pay for it.
By Grant Allen · First published 1894 · Genre: Nature Writing, Science, Travel · 4,629 words
First lines
Everybody knows mountain flowers are beautiful. As one rises up any minor height in the Alps or the Pyrenees below snow-level, one notices at once the extraordinary brilliancy and richness of the blossoms one meets there. All nature is dressed in its brightest robes. Great belts of blue gentian hang like a zone on the mountain slopes; masses of yellow globe-flower star the upland pastures; nodding heads of soldanella lurk low among the rugged boulders by the glacier's side. No lowland blossoms have such vividness of colouring, or grow in such conspicuous patches. To strike the eye from afar, to attract and allure at a distance, is the great aim and end in life of the Alpine flora.
What this Textopian page supports
High Life is listed on Textopian as a novel by Grant Allen, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Writing, Science, Travel, Philosophical, Historical
- Length: 4,629 words
- Structure: 1 section, 37 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for High Life by Grant Allen
- 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 High Life?
- How does this novel by Grant Allen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Nature Writing first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Nature Writing — The text extensively describes the flora and fauna of mountainous regions, focusing on the adaptation and beauty of alpine plants.
- Science — The narrative provides scientific explanations for the adaptation of plants and insects to high-altitude environments, including discussions on glacial epochs and ecological interactions.
- Travel — The text includes observations from various mountainous regions, such as the Alps, Pyrenees, and Mount Washington, offering a travelogue-like exploration of these areas.
- Philosophical — The narrative reflects on the broader implications of natural beauty and adaptation, touching on themes of existence and survival.
Tags
adventure · mystery · romance · suspense · drama · society · class · wealth · relationships · betrayal · intrigue · character development