Nina by Louis Becke (1880)
The narrative follows Captain Henry Charlton, known as "Bully Charlton," who returns to Townsville, Queensland, with his new wife, Nina. Their marriage raises eyebrows due to Charlton's notorious reputation as a scoundrel. The story reveals Nina's troubled past, including her previous relationship with Jack Lester, a mine manager who had a violent confrontation with Charlton over Nina. After a series of events, including Nina's desperate escape from her abusive marriage, she is presumed dead after jumping overboard during a voyage to Sydney. Lester, unaware of Nina's survival, is dismissed from his job due to his altercation with Charlton. Meanwhile, Charlton manipulates the narrative, convincing Lester's fiancée, Nellie March, that Lester eloped with Nina, leading to Nellie's marriage to Charlton. As time passes, Lester moves on, but he remains haunted by his feelings for Nina. A year later, in Sydney, Lester unexpectedly encounters Nina, who reveals her true story and her desire to remain hidden from Charlton. Their connection rekindles, and Lester falls in love with her. However, he decides to return to Torres Straits for work, believing it to be the best course of action. Upon learning of Charlton's death, Lester rushes back to Sydney, eager to reunite with Nina. Just as he arrives, he receives a letter from Nellie, seeking forgiveness and revealing Charlton's deceit. Torn between his past and present, Lester ultimately chooses to embrace his love for Nina, who confesses her feelings for him. The story concludes with a sense of resolution as Lester and Nina acknowledge their love for each other, leaving behind the shadows of their pasts. The themes of love, betrayal, and redemption are woven throughout, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and the impact of choices made in desperation.
By Louis Becke · First published 1880 · Genre: Drama, Romance, Tragedy · 3,130 words
First lines
When Captain Henry Charlton -- generally known as "Bully Charlton" -- stepped on shore at Townsville in North Queensland with his newly-wedded wife, his acquaintances stared at them both in profound astonishment. They had heard that he had married in Sydney, and from their past knowledge of his character expected to see a loudly-attired Melbourne or Sydney barmaid with peroxided hair, and person profusely adorned with obtrusive jewelry. Instead of this they beheld a tall, ladylike girl with a cold, refined face, and an equally cold and distant manner.
What this Textopian page supports
Nina is listed on Textopian as a short story by Louis Becke, dated 1880 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: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Tragedy, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 3,130 words
- Structure: 1 section, 63 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Nina 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 Nina?
- How does this short story by Louis Becke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Drama — The narrative centers around intense emotional conflicts, personal struggles, and the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on Nina's tragic circumstances.
- Romance — The story explores romantic entanglements, unrequited love, and the emotional turmoil between Nina, Lester, and Charlton.
- Tragedy — Nina's fate is marked by sorrow and despair, culminating in her tragic end, which is a hallmark of tragic literature.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is reflective and character-driven, focusing on the inner lives of the characters and their moral dilemmas.
Tags
Adventure · Romance · Historical Fiction · Literary Fiction · Classic Novel · 19th Century Literature · Pacific Islands Setting · Colonialism · Cultural Clash · Love Story · Tragic Love · Social Commentary