Pallou's Taloi. a Memory of the Paumotus
The novel is set in the Pacific Islands and revolves around a young Polynesian boy named Pallou who becomes embroiled in a conflict between European colonizers and native islanders. The story explores themes of colonialism, cultural clashes, and the complexities of human relationships in a rapidly changing world.
By Louis Becke · First published 1888 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction · 2,889 words
First lines
I stayed once at Rotoava -- in the Low Archipelago, Eastern Polynesia -- while suffering from injuries received in a boat accident one wild night. My host, the Rotoava trader, was a sociable old pirate, whose convivial soul would never let him drink alone. He was by trade a boat-builder, having had, in his early days, a shed at Miller's Point, in Sydney, where he made money and married a wife. But this latter event was poor Tom Oscott's undoing, and in the end he took his chest of tools on board the THYRA trading brig, and sailed away to Polynesia. Finally, after many years' wandering, he settled down at Rotoava as a trader and boat-builder, and became a noted drinker of bottled beer.
What this Textopian page supports
Pallou's Taloi. a Memory of the Paumotus is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Louis Becke
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama
- Length: 2,889 words
- Structure: 1 section, 30 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Pallou's Taloi. a Memory of the Paumotus 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 Pallou's Taloi. a Memory of the Paumotus?
- 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
- A Truly Great Man A Mid Pacific Sketch by Louis Becke
- The Chilean Bluejacket A Tale Of Easter Island by Louis Becke
- A Ponapean Convenance by Louis Becke
- The Trouble With Jinaban by Louis Becke
- A Cruise In The South Seas by Louis Becke
- An Adventure In The New Hebrides by Louis Becke
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex characters and emotional depth, focusing on personal relationships and cultural identity.
- Adventure — The plot involves travel and exploration in the South Pacific, highlighting the protagonist's experiences and encounters.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical context, reflecting the social and cultural dynamics of the Paumotus.
- Romance — The relationship between Pallou and Taloi is central to the plot, showcasing themes of love and sacrifice.
Tags
Pacific Islands · Adventure · Island Life · Colonialism · Exploration · Maritime History · 19th Century Literature · Travelogue · Memoir · Autobiographical Fiction · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery