Gran' Boule by Henry Van Dyke (1903)
The narrative poem tells the story of a sailor's life at sea and his struggles with fate and morality. The poem explores themes of duty, loyalty, and redemption through the character's experiences on a ship. It also touches on the idea of the sea as a symbol of the unknown and the uncontrollable forces of nature.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Narrative Poetry, Sea Story, Adventure · 1,436 words
First lines
We men hat go down for a livin' in ships to the sea, -- We love it a different way from you poets that 'bide on the land.
We are fond of it, sure! But, you take it as comin' from me, There's a fear and a hate in our love that a landsman can't understand.
What this Textopian page supports
Gran' Boule is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Narrative Poetry, Sea Story, Adventure, Tragedy, Drama
- Length: 1,436 words
- Structure: 1 section, 32 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Gran' Boule 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Gran' Boule?
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Similar titles
- The Sailing Of The Fleets by Bliss Carman
- The Sinking Of The Titanic by Irving Sidney Dix
- The Cutting Off Of The Queen Charlotte by Louis Becke
- Sea Heroes by Hilda Doolittle
- A Boating Adventure In The Carolines by Louis Becke
- Captain Macartney by Bernard Capes
Genres
- Narrative Poetry — The work is structured as a narrative poem, telling a story through verse with a clear plot and characters.
- Sea Story — The central theme revolves around life at sea, focusing on the experiences and challenges faced by seamen.
- Adventure — The plot includes elements of adventure, such as the perilous sea journey and the struggle for survival.
- Tragedy — The narrative concludes with a tragic event, highlighting themes of loss and the harsh realities of life at sea.
Tags
Nautical · Poetry · Narrative · Maritime · Adventure · Sea · Tale · Fictionalized · Autobiographical · Memoir · Seafaring · Life at Sea