The Chilean Bluejacket. a Tale of Easter Island
This novel tells the story of a young sailor who becomes embroiled in a mutiny on a ship sailing to Easter Island. The island's mysterious and ancient culture plays a significant role in the narrative, which explores themes of colonialism, power struggles, and the clash between Western and indigenous cultures.
By Louis Becke · First published 1888 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance · 8,015 words
First lines
Alone, in the most solitary part of the Eastern Pacific, midway between the earthquake-shaken littoral of Chili and Peru, and the thousand palm-clad islets of the Low Archipelago, lies an island of the days "when the world was young. " By the lithe-limbed, soft-eyed descendants of the forgotten and mysterious race that once quickened the land, this lonely outlier of the isles of the Southern Seas is called in their soft tongue Rapanui, or the Great Rapa.
A hundred and seventy years ago Roggewein, on the dawn of an Easter Sunday, discerned through the misty, tropic haze the grey outlines of an island under his lee beam, and sailed down upon it.
What this Textopian page supports
The Chilean Bluejacket. a Tale of Easter Island 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, Romance, Drama, Cultural Exploration
- Length: 8,015 words
- Structure: 1 section, 100 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Chilean Bluejacket. a Tale of Easter Island 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 The Chilean Bluejacket. a Tale of Easter Island?
- How does this novel by Louis Becke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Tom Wallis by Louis Becke
- The Strange Adventure Of James Shervinton by Louis Becke
- The Wreck Of The Leonora A Memory Of Bully Hayes by Louis Becke
- The Escapee by Louis Becke
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, exploring the interactions between different cultures and the impact of colonialism on Easter Island.
- Adventure — The plot involves maritime exploration, encounters with indigenous peoples, and the adventures of whalers, emphasizing themes of discovery and survival.
- Romance — The story includes romantic elements, particularly the relationships between the characters, including themes of love, loss, and longing.
- Drama — The emotional depth of the characters' experiences and the tragic events that unfold contribute to a dramatic narrative.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Adventure · Travelogue · Island Setting · Colonialism · Cultural Clash · Maritime History · 19th Century Literature · Pacifc Islands · Exploration · Discovery · Sailing