Off Exmouth by Hilaire Belloc (1909)
The story revolves around a young man who sets out to sea from Exmouth, a small port on the south coast of England. He boards a ship that is bound for the Mediterranean and becomes embroiled in a series of misadventures with his fellow sailors. As they navigate through treacherous waters, the crew faces numerous challenges, including mutiny, pirate attacks, and harsh weather conditions. The young man's innocence and naivety are gradually stripped away as he is forced to confront the harsh realities of life at sea. Throughout the narrative, the author explores themes of morality, loyalty, and the human condition, raising questions about the nature of right and wrong in a world where rules are often bent or broken.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1909 · Genre: Travel Literature, Nature Writing, Essay · 1,326 words
First lines
That strange, that ever novel, that magical thing -- the aspect of one's own land from the sea -- is passing out of the literature of the English. I wonder why? I wondered at it the more last week when I went down the coast of Dorset and Devon in my boat under a brilliant sky with a happy north-east following wind and saw the splendid regiment of cliffs martialled in its vast curve eastward from Strait Point to that faint and doubtful wedge on the horizon which was Portland Bill.
What this Textopian page supports
Off Exmouth is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Travel Literature, Nature Writing, Essay, Philosophical Literature, Historical Commentary
- Length: 1,326 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Off Exmouth by Hilaire Belloc
- 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 Off Exmouth?
- How does this short story by Hilaire Belloc fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Travel Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Pleasant Place by Hilaire Belloc
- In Homes Unblest 1919 by Max Beerbohm
- The Naming Of Streets by Max Beerbohm
- Quia Imperfectum 1918 by Max Beerbohm
- A Pathetic Imposture by Max Beerbohm
Genres
- Travel Literature — The narrative focuses on the experience of viewing the English coastline from the sea, emphasizing the journey and exploration.
- Nature Writing — The text provides detailed descriptions of natural landscapes, particularly the sea and coastal views.
- Essay — The work is reflective and discursive, exploring themes of perception and the changing relationship with the land.
- Philosophical Literature — The narrative delves into philosophical musings on the nature of discovery, adventure, and the human connection to land and sea.
Tags
Satirical · Social Commentary · Poetry · Verse · Humor · Wit · Sarcasm · Critique of Society · Class Satire · English Literature · 20th Century Literature · Literary Fiction