Dicky of Kingswood by John Lang
The novel revolves around the life of Dicky, a young man from a lower-middle-class family who struggles to find his place in society. He faces numerous challenges and setbacks, including poverty, unemployment, and personal relationships that are often tumultuous. Dicky's story is one of resilience and determination as he navigates through various professions, including being a clerk, a shop assistant, and even a sailor. Along the way, he encounters a range of characters who shape his experiences and worldview. Throughout the novel, themes of class, identity, and social mobility are explored in depth. The author presents a nuanced portrayal of Victorian society, highlighting both its opportunities and limitations for individuals from working-class backgrounds. Ultimately, Dicky's journey is one of self-discovery and growth as he learns to adapt to his circumstances and find ways to improve his prospects.
By John Lang · First published 1865 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Comedy, Adventure · 3,209 words
First lines
Your Border ruffian of the good old days was not often a humorist. Life to him was a serious business. When he was not reiving other people's kye, other people were probably reiving his; and as a general rule one is driven to conclude that he was not unlike that famous Scotch terrier whose master attributed the dog's persistently staid and even melancholy disposition to the fact that he "jist couldna get enough o' fechting."
What this Textopian page supports
Dicky of Kingswood is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Lang, dated 1865 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: 1865 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Comedy, Adventure, Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 3,209 words
- Structure: 1 section, 40 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dicky of Kingswood by John Lang
- 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 Dicky of Kingswood?
- 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 a specific historical context, exploring themes of crime and social dynamics in the Border region during the 18th century.
- Comedy — The story employs humor through the character's cunning and the absurd situations that arise from his actions.
- Adventure — The protagonist engages in a series of escapades involving theft and deception, characteristic of adventure narratives.
- Fiction — The work is a fictional tale that explores human behavior and morality through its characters and plot.
Tags
Children's Literature · Classic Novel · Coming-of-Age Story · English Literature · Fiction · Historical Fiction · Juvenile Fiction · Literary Classic · Male Protagonist · Novel of Manners · Orphaned Hero · Picaresque Narrative