Au Large by Henry Van Dyke (1908)
The novel revolves around a young man who leaves his family and home to pursue a life of adventure and self-discovery. He travels extensively throughout Europe, experiencing various cultures and meeting people from different walks of life. As he navigates through unfamiliar territories, the protagonist grapples with questions of identity, morality, and purpose. He encounters individuals who challenge his views on life and forces him to confront his own limitations and biases. Throughout his journey, the young man undergoes significant personal growth, learning valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of human connections. His experiences shape him into a more empathetic and introspective individual, better equipped to navigate the complexities of adulthood. The novel explores themes of coming-of-age, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1908 · Genre: Travel Literature, Nature Writing, Adventure · 12,272 words
First lines
"Wherever we strayed, the same tranquil leisure enfolded us; day followed day in an order unbroken and peaceful as the unfolding of the flowers and the silent march of the stars. Time no longer ran like the few sands in a delicate hour-glass held by a fragile human hand, but like a majestic river fed by fathomless seas. We gave ourselves up to the sweetness of that unmeasured life, without thought of yesterday or to-morrow; we drank the cup to-day held to our lips, and knew that so long as we were athirst that draught would not be denied us. " -- HAMILTON W. MABIE: Under the Trees.
What this Textopian page supports
Au Large is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Travel Literature, Nature Writing, Adventure, Memoir, Cultural Commentary
- Length: 12,272 words
- Structure: 1 section, 89 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Au Large by Henry Van Dyke
- 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 Au Large?
- How does this short story by Henry Van Dyke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Travel Literature first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Travel Literature — The narrative focuses on a journey through the Canadian wilderness, emphasizing exploration and adventure.
- Nature Writing — The text vividly describes natural landscapes, flora, and fauna, highlighting the beauty and challenges of the wilderness.
- Adventure — The story involves elements of risk and excitement, such as navigating rapids and encountering wildlife.
- Memoir — The narrative is personal and reflective, recounting the author's experiences and observations.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Psychological Insight · Existential Themes · Literary Classic · 19th Century Literature · American Writing · Moral Dilemmas · Self-Discovery · Coming of Age · Social Commentary · Cultural Critique · Human Condition