A Border Middy by John Lang (1862)
The novel revolves around a young sailor who becomes embroiled in the smuggling trade on the coast of England. He forms an alliance with a local smuggler and together they evade capture by the authorities. The story explores themes of loyalty, deception, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
By John Lang · First published 1862 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Comedy · 3,502 words
First lines
One blustering February evening towards the close of the eighteenth century there sat in a back room in a little inn at Portsmouth three midshipmen, forlorn-looking and depressed to a degree quite at variance with the commonly accepted idea of the normal mental condition of midshipmen. It was a room, not in the famous "Blue Posts" -- that hostelry beloved by lads of their rank in the service -- but in a smaller, meaner, less frequented house in a very different quarter of the town, a quarter none too savoury, if the truth were told.
What this Textopian page supports
A Border Middy is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Lang, dated 1862 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: John Lang
- Date: 1862 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Comedy, Coming-of-Age, Romance
- Length: 3,502 words
- Structure: 1 section, 48 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Border Middy by John Lang
- 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 A Border Middy?
- How does this short story by John Lang fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in the late 18th century, focusing on midshipmen and naval life, reflecting historical events and societal norms of the time.
- Adventure — The plot involves naval adventures, battles, and the challenges faced by young officers at sea, embodying the spirit of adventure.
- Comedy — The story contains humorous elements, particularly in the absurd situation of the midshipmen and their interactions with the landlady.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist undergoes significant personal growth and faces the realities of adulthood, particularly through the marriage predicament.
Tags
Nautical Fiction · Adventure Novel · Coming-of-Age Story · Maritime Setting · Young Protagonist · Australian Literature · 19th Century Novel · Sea-Faring Life · Male Protagonist · Self-Discovery · Friendship · Growing Up