The Captain of the School

Name: The Captain of the School
Author: James Matthew Barrie

The story revolves around a young boy who becomes the captain of his school's football team and struggles with the pressures of leadership and responsibility. He must navigate the complexities of adolescence while dealing with the expectations placed upon him by others. The narrative explores themes of identity, morality, and the challenges of growing up.

By James Matthew Barrie · First published 1899 · Genre: Coming-of-Age, Humor, Family · 1,559 words

First lines

When Peterkin, who is twelve, wrote to us that there was a possibility ("but don't count on it," he said) of his bringing the captain of the school home with him for a holiday, we had little conception what it meant. The captain we only knew by report as the "man" who lifted leg-balls over the pavilion and was said to have made a joke to the head-master's wife. By-and-by we understood the distinction that was to be conferred on us. Peterkin instructed his mother to send the captain a formal invitation addressed "J. Rawlins, Esq. " This was done, but in such a way that Peterkin feared we might lose our distinguished visitor. "You shouldn't have asked him for all the holidays," Peterkin wrote, "as he has promised a heap of fellows. " Then came a condescending note from the captain, saying that if he could manage it he would give us a few days. In this letter he referred to Peterkin as his young friend. Peterkin wrote shortly afterwards asking his sister Grizel to send him her photograph. "If you haven't one," he added, "what is the color of your eyes? " Grizel is eighteen, which is also, I believe, the age of J. Rawlins. We concluded that the captain had been sounding Peterkin about the attractions that our home could offer him; but Grizel neither sent her brother a photograph nor any account of her personal appearance. "It doesn't matter," Peterkin wrote back; "I told him you were dark. " Grizel is rather fair, but Peterkin had not noticed that.

What this Textopian page supports

The Captain of the School is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Matthew Barrie, dated 1899 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: James Matthew Barrie
Date: 1899 CE
Language: English
Genres: Coming-of-Age, Humor, Family, Social Commentary, Sports
Length: 1,559 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Captain of the School by James Matthew Barrie
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Where does Coming-of-Age first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Coming-of-Age — The story focuses on the growth and development of Peterkin as he navigates his admiration for the captain and the social dynamics involved.
Humor — The narrative contains humorous elements, particularly in the interactions between Peterkin, his family, and the captain, highlighting social awkwardness and youthful idolization.
Family — The plot revolves around family interactions and relationships, especially between Peterkin, his sister, and their mother.
Social Commentary — The story provides insights into social norms and expectations, particularly in the context of class and social status.