Proctor the Drunkard by Louis Becke
The narrative follows Proctor, a former second mate of a trading brig, who has fallen into a life of alcoholism and despair after a series of personal and professional failures. Once a promising captain, his drinking led to the loss of his ship and the woman he intended to marry, Nell Levison. After being dismissed from his position due to his drunkenness, Proctor's life spirals downward as he struggles to find work and dignity. For six years, he drifts through the South Sea Islands, taking on various roles on ships but consistently succumbing to alcohol. His reputation as a drunkard precedes him, making it increasingly difficult to secure employment. Despite his skills as a seaman, he faces rejection and scorn from former colleagues and employers. Proctor eventually finds himself on the brig _Bandolier_, where he serves as a recruiter for laborers in the Pacific Islands. His reckless behavior continues, leading to a catastrophic incident where he runs the ship aground, resulting in the deaths of most of the crew. He survives, but his reputation is irreparably damaged, and he returns to Sydney, homeless and destitute. In a moment of desperation, he sees an advertisement for seamen and manages to secure a position on the barque _Kate Rennie_, only to discover that the captain is Rothesay, the man who married Nell. Proctor adopts a false identity to escape his past, but the tension between him and Rothesay is palpable. As they sail towards the Solomon Islands, Proctor grapples with his desire for revenge against Rothesay while trying to maintain his composure. During a night watch, Proctor takes Rothesay's young son, Allan, into a boat, seeking a brief moment of joy amidst his turmoil. However, a sudden squall strikes, and the boat capsizes, leading to the disappearance of both Proctor and the child. Rothesay, frantic and guilt-ridden, searches for them but ultimately finds no trace. The story concludes with the haunting uncertainty of Proctor's fate, leaving readers to ponder the consequences of addiction, lost opportunities, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative serves as a poignant exploration of redemption, loss, and the inescapable grip of one's past.
By Louis Becke · First published 1882 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Adventure · 4,552 words
First lines
Proctor, the ex-second mate of the island-trading brig _Bandolier_, crawled out from under the shelter of the overhanging rock where he had passed the night, and brushing off the thick coating of dust which covered his clothes from head to foot, walked quickly through the leafy avenues of Sydney Domain, leading to the city.
What this Textopian page supports
Proctor the Drunkard is listed on Textopian as a short story by Louis Becke, dated 1882 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: 1882 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Adventure, Tragedy, Historical Fiction
- Length: 4,552 words
- Structure: 1 section, 62 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Proctor the Drunkard by Louis Becke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Proctor the Drunkard?
- 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?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores deep themes of personal failure, redemption, and the human condition through the character of Proctor.
- Drama — The narrative is driven by intense emotional conflicts and character interactions, particularly Proctor's struggles with alcoholism and its consequences.
- Adventure — Proctor's life at sea and the dangers he faces while recruiting laborers in the South Sea Islands provide an adventurous backdrop.
- Tragedy — The story ultimately leads to Proctor's downfall and the tragic loss of his life and the child, highlighting the consequences of his choices.
Tags
Literary Fiction · Australian Literature · Maritime Fiction · Alcoholism · Social Commentary · Realism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Morality Tale · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis