Bobaran by Louis Becke (1887)
The novel is a romance set on the island of Tahiti during the late 19th century. It revolves around the life of a young woman who becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships with various European and Polynesian characters, including a British naval officer and a local chief. The story explores themes of love, loyalty, and cultural clashes between the native population and foreign colonizers.
By Louis Becke · First published 1887 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction · 3,222 words
First lines
When our boat touched the beach in front of the trader's house just as the dawn was breaking, I thought Kabaira Bay one of the loveliest places in the Pacific, and said so to the man I had been sent to relieve. He quite concurred in my opinion of the beauties of the scenery, but said that he was very glad to get away. Then, being a cheerful man, though given to unnecessary blasphemy, like most South Sea Island traders, he took me out to the rich garden at the back of the station and showed me the grave of his predecessor, who had died of fever a year before. Further on, but outside the enclosing fence, were some more graves, he said.
'Whose? ' I asked.
What this Textopian page supports
Bobaran 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: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Drama, Thriller
- Length: 3,222 words
- Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Bobaran 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 Bobaran?
- 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
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- Solepa by Louis Becke
- Rodman The Boatsteerer by Louis Becke
- The Fate Of The Alida by Louis Becke
- Leasse by Louis Becke
- Sarreo by Louis Becke
Genres
- Adventure — The plot revolves around the experiences of a trader in a remote and dangerous location, highlighting themes of survival and exploration.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, reflecting the colonial era and interactions between traders and indigenous populations.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is descriptive and rich, focusing on character development and the complexities of human relationships.
- Drama — The story contains intense interpersonal conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist in a hostile environment.
Tags
Adventure · Fiction · Literary Fiction · Classic Novel · Sea Story · Pirate Fiction · Historical Fiction · 19th Century Literature · Male Protagonist · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis