Concerning Bully Hayes
"Bully Hayes" by Louis Becke is a novel centered around the notorious figure William "Bully" Hayes, a 19th-century American sea captain and trader known for his exploits in the South Pacific. The story follows Hayes as he navigates the treacherous waters of trade, piracy, and adventure, showcasing his complex character—both charismatic and ruthless. The narrative explores themes of colonialism, morality, and the clash of cultures, as Hayes interacts with indigenous peoples and other traders. The novel paints a vivid picture of life in the Pacific islands during this tumultuous period, highlighting the challenges and dangers faced by those who sought fortune on the high seas.
By Louis Becke · First published 1888 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Biography · 5 chapters · 15,700 words
First lines
"BULLY" HAYES! Oh, halcyon days of the sixties and seventies, when the Pacific was not, as now, patrolled by men-of-war from lonely Pylstaart, in the Friendlies, to the low-lying far-away Marshalls and the coral lagoons of the north-west; when the Queensland schooners ran full "nigger" cargoes to Bundaberg, Maryborough, and Port Mackay; when the Government agents, drunk nine days out of ten, did as much recruiting as the recruiters themselves, and drew -- even as they may draw to-day -- thumping bonuses from the planters _sub rosa! _ In those days the nigger-catching fleet from the Hawaiian Islands cruised right away south to palm-clad Arorai, in the Line Islands, and ran the Queensland ships close in the business. They came down from Honolulu in ballast-trim, save for the liquor and firearms, and went back full of a sweating mass of black-haired, copper-coloured Line Islanders, driven below at dark to take their chance of being smothered if it came on to blow. Better for them had it so happened, as befel the _Tahiti_ a few years ago when four hundred of these poor people went to the bottom on their way to slavery in San Jose de Guatemala.
What this Textopian page supports
Concerning Bully Hayes is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
- Author: Louis Becke
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Biography, Maritime Fiction, Drama
- Length: 15,700 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 113 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Concerning Bully Hayes 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 Concerning Bully Hayes?
- How does this novel by Louis Becke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in a specific historical context, exploring the life and adventures of a real historical figure.
- Adventure — The narrative involves exploration, travel, and encounters with various challenges, typical of adventure stories.
- Biography — The story is based on the life of Bully Hayes, providing insights into his character and experiences.
- Maritime Fiction — The plot revolves around sea voyages and life at sea, characteristic of maritime literature.
Tags
Pirate Fiction · Adventure Novel · 19th Century Literature · Australian Literature · Sea Story · Historical Fiction · Male Protagonist · Colonial Era · Pacific Islands Setting · Sailing Ship · Mutiny · Revenge Plot