Mikkel by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen
The novel revolves around Mikkel, a young man who returns to his hometown after serving time in prison for a crime he did not commit. He seeks revenge against those responsible for his wrongful conviction and imprisonment. The story explores themes of justice, morality, and the complexities of human nature.
By Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen · First published 1904 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Animal Fiction · 3 chapters · 10,999 words
First lines
You may find it hard to believe what I am going to tell you, but it is, nevertheless, strictly true. I knew the boy who is the hero of this story. His name was Thor Larsson, and a very clever boy he was. Still I don't think he would have amounted to much in the world, if it had not been for his friend Michael, or, as they write it in Norwegian, Mikkel. Mikkel, strange to say, was not a boy, but a fox. Thor caught him, when he was a very small lad, in a den under the roots of a huge tree. It happened in this way. Thor and his elder brother, Lars, and still another boy, named Ole Thomlemo, were up in the woods gathering faggots, which they tied together in large bundles to carry home on their backs; for their parents were poor people, and had no money to buy wood with. The boys rather liked to be sent on errands of this kind, because delicious raspberries and blueberries grew in great abundance in the woods, and gathering faggots was, after all, a much manlier occupation than staying at home minding the baby.
What this Textopian page supports
Mikkel is listed on Textopian as a novel by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen, dated 1904 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 Boysen
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Adventure, Animal Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Folklore
- Length: 10,999 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 66 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mikkel by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen
- 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 Mikkel?
- How does this novel by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The story features a young protagonist, Thor, and his adventures with a fox, Mikkel, which is typical of children's literature.
- Adventure — The narrative includes elements of adventure, such as exploring the woods, capturing a fox, and various escapades.
- Animal Fiction — A significant part of the story revolves around the relationship between Thor and the fox, Mikkel, highlighting animal behavior and interaction.
- Coming-of-Age — Thor's journey from childhood to taking responsibility and making a living reflects themes of personal growth and maturation.
Tags
Danish Literature · Novel · Coming-of-Age Story · Autobiographical Fiction · Social Realism · Class Conflict · Poverty · Family Dynamics · Youth Culture · Identity Crisis · National Identity · Cultural Heritage