The Trader by Louis Becke (1887)

Name: The Trader
Author: Louis Becke

The story begins with a description of a British trader named Prout who lives on a small island in the Pacific. He is a solitary man who has been living on the island for four years with his young daughter Mercedes. The island is inhabited by native people, and Prout has formed a close bond with them. One day, an American schooner arrives at the island, captained by a gruff but kind-hearted man named Hetherington. Hetherington is impressed by Prout's business acumen and offers to take him on as a partner in his sugar trade venture between San Francisco and Honolulu. However, Prout declines, preferring to remain on the island with Mercedes. Hetherington is taken aback by Prout's decision but eventually leaves the island after a emotional goodbye with Prout and Mercedes. As he departs, Hetherington reveals that he has a personal connection to the child, having lost his own daughter Hope in a tragic accident. Four years pass, and Prout continues to live on the island with Mercedes. The story jumps forward in time to show Prout lying on his deathbed, surrounded by the quiet of the village. Mercedes is by his side, weeping softly as she asks him what ails him. Prout's response is a kiss, and he gives up the battle of life. The story ends with a sense of closure and finality, as Prout's legacy lives on through Mercedes. The narrative also highlights the themes of isolation, loneliness, and the human connection that can be formed across cultures and backgrounds.

By Louis Becke · First published 1887 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction · 4 chapters · 7,406 words

First lines

The evening fires were lighting up the darkness of the coming night, when Prout, the only white man on the island, left his house on the edge of the lagoon, and, with his little daughter running by his side, walked slowly through the village.

What this Textopian page supports

The Trader is listed on Textopian as a short story by Louis Becke, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama
Length: 7,406 words
Structure: 4 chapters, 135 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Louis Becke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores deep themes of isolation, love, and the human condition through rich character development and introspective narrative.
Adventure — The protagonist's journey as a trader in the Pacific Islands involves exploration and encounters with diverse cultures and challenges.
Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, the story reflects the socio-political dynamics of colonialism and labor practices in the Pacific Islands.
Romance — The relationship between Prout and Marie Courtayne serves as a central emotional arc, highlighting themes of love and sacrifice.