A Friend of Justice
The novel revolves around the life of a young man who becomes disillusioned with his privileged upbringing and sets out to make a difference in the world. He joins a group of idealistic reformers who are fighting for social justice, but soon finds himself at odds with their methods. As he navigates this complex moral landscape, he must confront his own sense of purpose and identity. Through his experiences, he comes to realize that true justice is not simply a matter of righting societal wrongs, but also of understanding the complexities of human nature. The novel explores themes of morality, ethics, and personal responsibility, raising important questions about the role of individuals in creating positive change in the world.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1904 · Genre: Adventure, Animal Fiction, Drama · 3 chapters · 8,410 words
First lines
It was the black patch over his left eye that made all the trouble. In reality he was of a disposition most peaceful and propitiating, a friend of justice and fair dealing, strongly inclined to a domestic life, and capable of extreme devotion. He had a vivid sense of righteousness, it is true, and any violation of it was apt to heat his indignation to the boiling-point. When this occurred he was strong in the back, stiff in the neck, and fearless of consequences. But he was always open to friendly overtures and ready to make peace with honour.
What this Textopian page supports
A Friend of Justice is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Animal Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 8,410 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 63 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Friend of Justice by Henry Van Dyke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Adventure — The narrative follows a journey through challenging environments, highlighting survival and exploration.
- Animal Fiction — The story centers around a dog, Pichou, and his experiences, emotions, and interactions with humans and other animals.
- Drama — The plot involves intense emotional conflicts, personal struggles, and moral dilemmas.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context reflect a historical period, with references to the fur trade and life in remote regions.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · American Literature · 19th Century · Social Commentary · Moral Fiction · Christian Themes · Friendship · Justice · Morality · Philosophy · Psychology