Cross Currents by Hector Hugh Munro
The novel revolves around the lives of two men, one a young and idealistic sailor, the other an older and more cynical naval officer. They are brought together by circumstance and their contrasting views on life shape their interactions. The story explores themes of morality, duty, and the complexities of human nature.
By Hector Hugh Munro · First published 1905 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Adventure · 2,557 words
First lines
Vanessa Pennington had a husband who was poor, with few extenuating circumstances, and an admirer who, though comfortably rich, was cumbered with a sense of honour. His wealth made him welcome in Vanessa's eyes, but his code of what was right impelled him to go away and forget her, or at the most to think of her in the intervals of doing a great many other things. And although Alaric Clyde loved Vanessa, and thought he should always go on loving her, he gradually and unconsciously allowed himself to be wooed and won by a more alluring mistress; he fancied that his continued shunning of the haunts of men was a self-imposed exile, but his heart was caught in the spell of the Wilderness, and the Wilderness was kind and beautiful to him. When one is young and strong and unfettered the wild earth can be very kind and very beautiful.
What this Textopian page supports
Cross Currents is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hector Hugh Munro, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hector Hugh Munro
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Comedy, Adventure, Romance, Drama
- Length: 2,557 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Cross Currents by Hector Hugh Munro
- 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 Cross Currents?
- How does this short story by Hector Hugh Munro fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Matter Of Sentiment by Hector Hugh Munro
- The Blind Spot by Hector Hugh Munro
- The Unrest Cure by Hector Hugh Munro
- The Oversight by Hector Hugh Munro
- The Talking Out Of Tarrington by Hector Hugh Munro
- The Lumber Room by Hector Hugh Munro
Genres
- Satire — The narrative employs irony and wit to critique societal norms and the characters' pursuit of respectability.
- Comedy — The story contains humorous elements, particularly in the absurdity of the characters' situations and interactions.
- Adventure — The plot involves travel and exploration, with characters experiencing various adventures in exotic locations.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around romantic relationships and the complications arising from them.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Dark Humor · Absurdism · Anti-Hero · Morality Play · Existential Crisis · Philosophical Themes · Psychological Insight · Critique of Society · Class Satire · Racism Critique