A Basket of Bread-Fruit
The story revolves around a young sailor who becomes embroiled in a plot to steal a valuable cargo of breadfruit from a ship anchored off the coast of Tahiti. The protagonist's involvement stems from his acquaintance with a local woman, and he soon finds himself caught up in a complex web of deceit and betrayal.
By Louis Becke · First published 1888 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance · 2,101 words
First lines
It was in Steinberger's time [Colonel Steinberger, who in 1874 succeeded in forming a government in Samoa]. A trader had come up to Apia in his boat from the end of Savaii, the largest of the Samoan Group, and was on his way home again, when the falling tide caused him to stop awhile at Mulinu'u Point, about two miles from Apia. Here he designed to smoke and talk, and drink kava at the great camp with some hospitable native acquaintances, during the rising of the water. Soon he was taking his ease on a soft mat, watching the bevy of AUA LUMA [The local girls] making a bowl of kava.
What this Textopian page supports
A Basket of Bread-Fruit is listed on Textopian as a short story by Louis Becke, dated 1888 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Louis Becke
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Cultural Fiction
- Length: 2,101 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Basket of Bread-Fruit by Louis Becke
- 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 A Basket of Bread-Fruit?
- How does this short story by Louis Becke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Trouble With Jinaban by Louis Becke
- A Memory Of The Southern Seas by Louis Becke
- The Story Of Jees Uck by Jack London
- Rodman The Boatsteerer by Louis Becke
- Brantley Of Vahitahi by Louis Becke
- Challis The Doubter by Louis Becke
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of cultural interaction, identity, and personal relationships, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context involving colonial interactions in Samoa, it reflects the social dynamics of the time.
- Romance — The narrative includes elements of romantic tension and relationships, particularly between the trader and Salome.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey and the trader's experiences, embodying elements of adventure.
Tags
Adventure · Literary Fiction · Pacifica · Colonialism · Island Life · Sailing · Maritime · Exploration · Cultural Clash · Social Commentary · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery