The Blockade Runner by Hervey Allen
The novel is set during the American Civil War and follows a blockade runner who smuggles goods into the Confederacy. The story explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the complexities of war. The protagonist's actions are driven by a desire to support his family and community, but he must navigate the moral implications of his work.
By Hervey Allen · First published 1937 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, War · 2,319 words
First lines
I. Three years!
Since I had seen the city, in the time We waited through the tenseness of the hours, While nerves were zither strings For fate to jar upon: All through that night we counted old St. Michael's chimes Now three o'clock -- The bells spoke as they had on marriage days, With high and silver-happy tongues Yet somehow they had gained an irony, For out across the quiet April bay Grim, new-built forts grinned at old Sumter Through the morning mist -- _One -- two -- three -- four -- _ And no sound yet! Then -- Thirty minutes like a life too long; A red flash dirked the night; I thought a voice cried, "DOOM"; That was the gun that killed a million men.
What this Textopian page supports
The Blockade Runner is listed on Textopian as a novel by Hervey Allen, dated 1937 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Hervey Allen
- Date: 1937 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, War, Poetry, Drama
- Length: 2,319 words
- Structure: 1 section, 46 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Blockade Runner by Hervey Allen
- 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 The Blockade Runner?
- How does this novel by Hervey Allen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Last Crew by Hervey Allen
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- His First Penitent by James Oliver Curwood
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set during the American Civil War, focusing on the blockade-running efforts, which are historical events.
- Adventure — The story involves daring and dangerous missions, such as running blockades and navigating through enemy waters.
- War — The backdrop of the Civil War and its impact on the characters and setting is central to the plot.
- Poetry — The writing style is highly poetic, with a focus on imagery and rhythm.
Tags
Historical Fiction · War Novel · American Civil War · Blockade Running · Adventure · Action · Romance · Drama · Maritime History · Naval Warfare · Southern Literature · Coming of Age