The Story of an Outcast
This novel explores the life of a young man who is rejected by society due to his physical deformity and social awkwardness. He struggles to find acceptance and belonging in a world that views him as an outcast. The story delves into themes of loneliness, isolation, and the human condition, raising questions about what it means to be a part of society and how individuals cope with rejection and exclusion. Through the protagonist's experiences, the novel highlights the difficulties faced by those who are marginalized or ostracized, and the ways in which they often turn to themselves for comfort and validation.
By Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen · First published 1881 · Genre: Fiction, Bildungsroman, Social Commentary · 4 chapters · 13,684 words
First lines
THERE was an ancient feud between the families; and Bjarne Blakstad was not the man to make it up, neither was Hedin Ullern. So they looked askance at each other whenever they met on the highway, and the one took care not to cross the other's path. But on Sundays, when the church-bells called the parishioners together, they could not very well avoid seeing each other on the church-yard; and then, one day, many years ago, when the sermon had happened to touch Bjarne's heart, he had nodded to Hedin and said: "Fine weather to-day; " and Hedin had returned the nod and answered: "True is that. " "Now I have done my duty before God and men," thought Bjarne, "and it is his turn to take the next step. " "The fellow is proud," said Hedin to himself, "and he wants to show off his generosity. But I know the wolf by his skin, even if he has learned to bleat like a ewe-lamb."
What this Textopian page supports
The Story of an Outcast is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen, dated 1881 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen
- Date: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Bildungsroman, Social Commentary, Psychological, Historical
- Length: 13,684 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 123 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Story of an Outcast 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
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Discussion starters
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- Mark Rutherfords Deliverance by Mark Rutherford
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Genres
- Fiction — The book is a work of fiction, focusing on the narrative of an individual's life and experiences.
- Bildungsroman — The story follows the protagonist's development and personal growth from youth to adulthood.
- Social Commentary — The narrative explores themes of societal norms and the individual's place within society.
- Psychological — The book delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of the protagonist, exploring their psychological state.
Tags
Autobiographical · Memoir · Coming-of-age · Social commentary · Realism · Literary fiction · Danish literature · 19th century literature · Outcast theme · Alienation · Loneliness · Poverty
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III
- CHAPTER IV