A Good for Nothing
The novel follows the story of a young man named Nils, who is born into a poor family in rural Norway. Despite his humble beginnings, Nils is determined to make something of himself and sets out to make his fortune. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including a beautiful girl named Ingeborg, who helps him on his journey. Nils eventually finds success in America, but his newfound wealth and status come at a cost. He must confront his own inner demons and the consequences of his choices, as well as the prejudices of those around him. In the end, Nils must decide whether he will remain a good-for-nothing or become a man of substance. Good for Nothing is a classic coming-of-age story that explores themes of ambition, identity, and morality. It is a timeless tale of a young man's struggle to find his place in the world.
By Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen · First published 1876 · Genre: Realistic Fiction, Romance, Adventure · 5 chapters · 11,895 words
First lines
Ralph Grimm was born a gentleman, He had the misfortune of coming into the world some ten years later than might reasonably have been expected. Colonel Grim and his lady had celebrated twelve anniversaries of their wedding-day, and had given up all hopes of ever having a son and heir, when this late comer startled them by his unexpected appearance. The only previous addition to the family had been a daughter, and she was then ten summers old.
What this Textopian page supports
A Good for Nothing is listed on Textopian as a novel by Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen, dated 1876 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen
- Date: 1876 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Coming of Age
- Length: 11,895 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 183 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Good for Nothing by Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen
- 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 A Good for Nothing?
- How does this novel by Hjalmar Hjorth Boyesen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Realistic Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Realistic Fiction — A Good for Nothing is a realistic fiction novel that follows the story of a young man's journey to find his place in the world.
- Romance — The novel contains a romantic subplot between the protagonist and a young woman he meets on his journey.
- Adventure — The novel follows the protagonist's adventures as he travels across Europe in search of his identity.
- Coming of Age — The novel follows the protagonist's journey of self-discovery as he comes of age.
Tags
Short stories · began · bertha · come · could · day · ever · eyes · face · father · felt · good
Contents
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5