A Hundred Fathoms Deep
The story revolves around a young sailor who becomes embroiled in a mutiny on a whaling ship. He escapes and joins another vessel, where he meets a mysterious and charismatic figure who claims to have been a pirate. The two form an unlikely friendship, but the sailor soon discovers that his new friend's past is shrouded in mystery and danger.
By Louis Becke · First published 1882 · Genre: Adventure, Travel Literature, Nature Writing · 4,023 words
First lines
There is still a world or discovery open to the ichthyologist who, in addition to scientific knowledge, is a lover of deep-sea fishing, has some nerve, and is content to undergo some occasional rough experiences, if he elects to begin his researches among the many island groups of the North and South Pacific. I possessed, to some extent, the two latter qualifications; the former, much to my present and lasting regret, I did not. Nearly twenty-six years ago the vessel in which I sailed as supercargo was wrecked on Strong's Island, the eastern outlier of the fertile Caroline Archipelago, and for more than twelve months I devoted the greater part of my time to traversing the mountainous island from end to end, or, accompanied by a hardy and intelligent native, in fishing, either in the peculiarly-formed lagoon at the south end, or two miles or so outside the barrier reef.
What this Textopian page supports
A Hundred Fathoms Deep is listed on Textopian as a short story by Louis Becke, dated 1882 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: 1882 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Travel Literature, Nature Writing, Memoir, Non-Fiction
- Length: 4,023 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Hundred Fathoms Deep by Louis Becke
- 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 Hundred Fathoms Deep?
- How does this short story by Louis Becke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Boating Adventure In The Carolines by Louis Becke
- An Adventure In The Upper Sea by Jack London
- The Cruise Of The Alerte by E. F. Knight
- A Fish Drive On A Micronesian Atoll by Louis Becke
- Sea Heroes by Hilda Doolittle
- Through The Brazilian Wilderness by Theodore Roosevelt
Genres
- Adventure — The narrative centers around deep-sea fishing adventures and experiences in the South Seas, highlighting exploration and personal challenges.
- Travel Literature — The text describes various locations in the Pacific, providing insights into the culture and environment of the islands.
- Nature Writing — The work emphasizes the natural world, particularly marine life and ecosystems, showcasing the author's observations of fish and fishing practices.
- Memoir — The author recounts personal experiences and reflections from his time spent in the Pacific, blending factual recounting with personal narrative.
Tags
Adventure · Fiction · Sea · Exploration · Island · Survival · Shipwreck · Maritime · Pirate · Treasure · Colonialism · Imperialism