A Lieutenant at Eighteen
The narrative follows a young lieutenant in the Union Army during the Civil War, focusing on his experiences and challenges as he leads his men in various skirmishes against Confederate forces. The story begins with the lieutenant, who is only eighteen, encountering a young woman named Grace Morgan, who seeks help for her guardian, Mr. Halliburn, from Confederate soldiers plundering his home. The lieutenant, demonstrating his bravery and leadership, quickly mobilizes his men to assist her. As the plot unfolds, the lieutenant's company engages in several battles, including a significant confrontation with guerillas and Confederate cavalry. The lieutenant's strategic thinking and ability to inspire his men are highlighted as they successfully capture a group of guerillas without sustaining casualties. The narrative emphasizes the camaraderie among the soldiers and their commitment to the Union cause, as well as the personal stakes involved, particularly for the lieutenant, who grapples with the loss of friends and the weight of leadership. The lieutenant's character is further developed through his interactions with other soldiers, including his father, Major Lyon, and his fellow officers, who recognize his potential and bravery. The story culminates in a larger battle at Mill Springs, where the lieutenant's company plays a crucial role in the Union's victory. The lieutenant's growth from a young recruit to a capable leader is a central theme, showcasing the harsh realities of war and the personal sacrifices made by those involved. Throughout the work, themes of honor, duty, and the impact of war on individuals and families are explored, particularly through the lens of the lieutenant's relationships and the challenges he faces in a tumultuous time. The narrative ultimately portrays the complexities of war, the courage required to face adversity, and the bonds formed among soldiers fighting for a common cause.
By Oliver Optic · First published 1887 · Genre: Adventure, Young Adult, Historical Fiction · 36 chapters · 97,287 words
First lines
"Are you an honest man, sir? " asked a very pretty young woman, not more than twenty years old, as she stopped in the open field in front of Sergeant Life Knox of the Riverlawn Cavalry, as it was generally called, though the squadron belonged to a numbered regiment in Kentucky.
The non-commissioned officer was a tall Kentuckian, over six feet high, lank and raw-boned. He looked at the young woman, and a smile lighted up his thin face.
What this Textopian page supports
A Lieutenant at Eighteen is listed on Textopian as a novel by Oliver Optic, dated 1887 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Oliver Optic
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Military Fiction, Bildungsroman
- Length: 97,287 words
- Structure: 36 chapters, 1,942 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Lieutenant at Eighteen by Oliver Optic
- 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 A Lieutenant at Eighteen?
- How does this novel by Oliver Optic fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Adventure — The plot centers around the experiences and challenges faced by a young lieutenant, emphasizing exploration and action.
- Young Adult — The protagonist is a teenager, and the themes resonate with the coming-of-age experiences typical in young adult literature.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context reflect a specific historical period, providing insights into military life and society.
- Military Fiction — The narrative focuses on military themes, including duty, honor, and the experiences of soldiers.
Tags
Coming-of-age · Adventure · Nautical fiction · Historical fiction · American literature · Young adult fiction · Sea stories · War novel · Patriotism · Nationalism · Social class · Family dynamics
Contents
- Grace Morgan and her Treasure-Chest
- Preparations for Decisive Action
- The Lieutenant Bags his Game
- A Refractory Guerilla Chief
- Lieutenant Lyon Encounters Another Enemy
- A Smart Skirmish in the Road
- The Battle at the Breedings Fort
- Before the Battle of Mill Springs
- Preparing for Another Battle in the Road
- The Sharpshooters of Millersville
- The Approach of Another Cavalry Force
- A New Company of Mounted Riflemen
- A Night in a Jail at Jamestown
- The Aide-De-Camp of the General
- The Attempted Escape of a Wagon-Train
- An Imaginary and a Real Battle
- The Overwhelming Defeat of the Enemy
- The Flag of Truce on the Meadow
- The Riverlawn Cavalry on the Flank
- The Flowing Tide of the Enemy's Retreat
- Deck Finds himself in a Tight Place
- A Lieutenant Among the "Missing"
- Within the Confederate Lines
- A Night Adventure on the Cumberland
- A Boat Voyage down the Great River
- Four Fugitives from the Battle-Field
- The Owner of the Mansion on the Hill
- The Fight Begins at Grove-Hill Mansion
- A New Method of Operations
- The Surrender of Captain Grundy
- An Unexpected re-Enforcement
- Deck Lyon's Plan of Battle
- The Defeat and Surrender of the Guerillas
- The Gathering of a New Command
- A First Lieutenant at Eighteen
- Scouting in the Enemy's Country