A Memory of 'the System'
The story revolves around a young man who becomes embroiled in the colonial politics of a Pacific island. He witnesses the brutal suppression of an uprising and begins to question the morality of the system he has been part of. The narrative explores themes of imperialism, power dynamics, and the complexities of human relationships in a colonial setting.
By Louis Becke · First published 1887 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 15,167 words
First lines
I.
The house in which I lived from my birth till I was twelve years of age stood on the green-grassed slopes of a treeless bluff which overlooked the blue waters of the sunlit Pacific. Except for a cluster of five or six little weatherboard cottages perched on the verge of the headland, half a mile away, and occupied by the crew of the Government pilot boat, there were no other dwellings near, for the 'town,' as it was called, lay out of sight, on the low, flat banks of a tidal river, whose upper waters were the haunt and breeding places of the black swan, the wild duck and the pelican.
What this Textopian page supports
A Memory of 'the System' is listed on Textopian as a short story by Louis Becke, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Drama, Social Commentary
- Length: 15,167 words
- Structure: 1 section, 172 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Memory of 'the System' 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 Memory of 'the System'?
- 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
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes and character development, focusing on human experiences and emotions.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context reflect a specific historical period, providing insight into societal norms and issues of the time.
- Adventure — The plot involves journeys and challenges faced by characters, emphasizing exploration and personal growth.
- Drama — The story contains intense emotional conflicts and character interactions that drive the narrative.
Tags
Adventure · Colonialism · Fiction · Historical Fiction · Literary Fiction · Maritime · Memoir · Nautical · Novel · Realistic Fiction · Romance · Sea Story