Âmona; the Child; and the Beast

Name: Âmona; the Child; and the Beast
Author: Louis Becke

The narrative follows the tragic life of a native cook, who endures the brutal treatment of his employer, a violent and alcoholic plantation owner. The cook, deeply devoted to the owner's wife and their child, witnesses the deterioration of their family life under the oppressive rule of the husband. The wife, a gentle and loving figure, suffers from her husband's cruelty, which ultimately leads to her decline and death. The cook's loyalty is tested as he cares for the child, who is caught in the crossfire of his father's rage. A pivotal moment occurs when the father violently throws the child, resulting in a serious injury. The cook, alongside a sympathetic supercargo, confronts the father about his abusive behavior, leading to a physical altercation. As the story progresses, the wife succumbs to her illness, exacerbated by her husband's neglect and abuse. The cook and the child find solace in each other, forming a bond that transcends their suffering. After the wife's death, the cook and the child escape the oppressive environment, seeking a better life away from the father's tyranny. Years later, the cook and the now-grown child reunite with the supercargo, revealing the lasting impact of their shared experiences. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, love, and the struggle against brutality, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

By Louis Becke · First published 1887 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction · 3,537 words

First lines

Âmona was, as his master so frequently told him-accentuating the remark with a blow or a kick-only "a miserable kanaka. " Of his miserableness there was no doubt, for Denison, who lived in the same house as he did, was a daily witness of it-and his happiness. Also, he was a kanaka-a native of Niué, in the South Pacific; Savage Island it is called by the traders and is named on the charts, though its five thousand sturdy, brown-skinned inhabitants have been civilised, Christianised, and have lived fairly cleanly for the past thirty years.

What this Textopian page supports

Âmona; the Child; and the Beast 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, Drama, Historical Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragedy
Length: 3,537 words
Structure: 1 section, 55 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of human relationships, morality, and the struggles of individuals against societal norms, characteristic of literary fiction.
Drama — The narrative is heavily focused on emotional conflicts and character development, showcasing intense interpersonal dynamics and moral dilemmas.
Historical Fiction — Set in the South Pacific during a time of colonial influence, the story reflects historical contexts and cultural interactions.
Social Commentary — The work critiques social issues such as colonialism, domestic abuse, and the treatment of indigenous people, providing a commentary on societal values.