An Adventurer in a Velvet Jacket
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after years abroad, seeking adventure and excitement. He becomes infatuated with the idea of being an adventurer, but his attempts at living up to this image are thwarted by his own ineptitude. As he navigates various misadventures, he is forced to confront the reality of his own limitations and the emptiness of his pursuits. Through a series of humorous and satirical events, the protagonist's illusions about himself are gradually stripped away, revealing a more nuanced and complex character beneath. Ultimately, the story presents a commentary on the human desire for excitement and the dangers of romanticizing one's own identity.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Biography, Literary Criticism, Essay · 9,180 words
First lines
Thus gallantly he appears in my mind's eye when I pause in rereading one of his books and summon up a fantasm of the author,-Robert Louis Stevenson, gentleman adventurer in life and letters, his brown eyes shining in a swarthy face, his lean, long-enduring body adorned with a black-velvet jacket.
What this Textopian page supports
An Adventurer in a Velvet Jacket is listed on Textopian as a novella by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Biography, Literary Criticism, Essay, Travel Literature, Adventure
- Length: 9,180 words
- Structure: 1 section, 81 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Adventurer in a Velvet Jacket by Henry Van Dyke
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering An Adventurer in a Velvet Jacket?
- How does this novella by Henry Van Dyke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Biography first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Biography — The text provides a detailed account of Robert Louis Stevenson's life, focusing on his personal experiences, travels, and literary career.
- Literary Criticism — The work analyzes Stevenson's writing style, themes, and contributions to literature, offering critical insights into his works.
- Essay — The narrative is structured as an essay, reflecting on Stevenson's life and works with a personal and analytical tone.
- Travel Literature — The text discusses Stevenson's travels and how they influenced his writing, highlighting his experiences in various locations.
Tags
Adventure · Fiction · Literary Fiction · Classic Novel · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Travelogue · Philosophical Themes · Social Commentary · Satire