The Great Nickel Adventure
This novel is a coming-of-age story about a young boy who embarks on a journey to find his missing father. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and learns valuable lessons about perseverance and self-discovery. The narrative explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and the complexities of growing up. The protagonist's experiences are portrayed through a non-linear structure, reflecting the fragmented nature of childhood memories. Throughout the story, the author employs vivid descriptions of the natural world to convey the boy's emotional state and his connection to the environment. The novel ultimately concludes with the boy's return home, where he must confront the reality of his father's absence and the changes it has brought about in his life.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1908 · Genre: Essay, Literary Criticism, Philosophical · 1,822 words
First lines
Whenever I read Mr. Chester Firkins' excellent poem "On a Subway Express" I am filled with amazement. It is not strange that Mr. Firkins turned the subway into poetry, it is strange that the subway does not turn every one of its passengers into a poet.
There are, it is true, more comfortable means of locomotion than the subway; there are conveyances less crowded, better ventilated, cooler in Summer, warmer in Winter. A little discomfort, however, is an appropriate accompaniment of adventure. And subway-riding is a splendid adventure, a radiant bit of romance set in the gray fabric of the work-a-day world.
What this Textopian page supports
The Great Nickel Adventure is listed on Textopian as a short story by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Joyce Kilmer
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Essay, Literary Criticism, Philosophical, Social Commentary, Romanticism
- Length: 1,822 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Great Nickel Adventure by Joyce Kilmer
- 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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Genres
- Essay — The work presents a reflective and analytical exploration of the subway experience, typical of essay writing.
- Literary Criticism — It critiques societal norms and human behavior through the lens of subway travel, analyzing themes of faith and democracy.
- Philosophical — The text delves into philosophical themes regarding faith, trust, and the human experience in modern society.
- Social Commentary — It comments on social class distinctions and the shared experience of subway passengers, highlighting issues of equality.
Tags
Adventure · Children's Literature · Classic · Fantasy · Friendship · Humor · Imagination · Juvenile Fiction · Literary Fiction · Mystery · Nickel · Novel