Breaking Away by Oliver Optic (1873)
The narrative follows Ernest Thornton, a fourteen-year-old boy attending the Parkville Liberal Institute, who faces injustice and bullying from both his peers and the school's principal, Mr. Parasyte. The story begins with Ernest being accused of fighting with a wealthy student, Bill Poodles, after defending himself from an unprovoked attack. Despite his innocence, Mr. Parasyte expels him, favoring Poodles due to his family's influence. Ernest lives with his uncle, Amos Thornton, a reclusive and uncommunicative man who provides for him but shows little affection or interest in his life. Ernest longs for companionship and knowledge about his parents, but his uncle remains tight-lipped about his past. The tension escalates when Ernest refuses to apologize to Poodles, leading to a confrontation with Mr. Parasyte, who attempts to physically punish him. In a moment of defiance, Ernest fights back, knocking the principal down, which further complicates his situation. As a result of the incident, a rebellion brews among the students, who rally behind Ernest, feeling that Mr. Parasyte's actions are unjust. They decide to "break away" from the school, camping on Cleaver Island to assert their independence. The students, led by Henry Vallington, organize themselves and prepare for potential conflict with Mr. Parasyte, who is determined to reassert his authority. The narrative explores themes of justice, friendship, and the struggle against tyranny. As the students navigate their rebellion, they face challenges, including the betrayal of some classmates who return to Mr. Parasyte's side. The story culminates in a confrontation between the students and the principal, highlighting the complexities of authority, loyalty, and the quest for fairness. Throughout the tale, Ernest grapples with his identity, the absence of his parents, and the harsh realities of growing up in a world where power dynamics often overshadow truth and justice. The resolution of the conflict remains uncertain, leaving readers to ponder the implications of rebellion and the fight for one's rights in the face of oppression.
By Oliver Optic · First published 1873 · Genre: Adventure, Young Adult, Coming-of-Age · 26 chapters · 71,232 words
First lines
"Ernest Thornton! " called Mr. Parasyte, the principal of the Parkville Liberal Institute, in a tone so stern and severe that it was impossible to mistake his meaning, or not to understand that a tempest was brewing. "Ernest Thornton!"
As that was my name, I replied to the summons by rising, and exhibiting my full length to all the boys assembled in the school-room -- about one hundred in number.
What this Textopian page supports
Breaking Away is listed on Textopian as a novel by Oliver Optic, dated 1873 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: 1873 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Young Adult, Coming-of-Age, Fiction, Sports
- Length: 71,232 words
- Structure: 26 chapters, 1,455 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Breaking Away 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 Breaking Away?
- 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
- Poor And Proud by Oliver Optic
- In The Saddle by Oliver Optic
- Down The River by Oliver Optic
- Try Again by Oliver Optic
- Dandelion by Louisa May Alcott
- A Young Mutineer by L. T. Meade
Genres
- Adventure — The plot centers around characters embarking on a journey filled with challenges and exploration.
- Young Adult — The themes and characters are relatable to a younger audience, focusing on growth and self-discovery.
- Coming-of-Age — The narrative explores the transition from youth to adulthood, highlighting personal development.
- Fiction — The story is a work of fiction, presenting imaginative scenarios and characters.
Tags
Coming-of-age · Adventure · Friendship · Family · Youth · Education · Self-discovery · Independence · Romance · Social class · Class struggle · American literature
Contents
- In which Ernest Thornton Introduces himself
- In which there is Trouble in the Parkville Liberal Institute
- In which Ernest is Expelled from the Parkville Liberal Institute
- In which Ernest Sails the Splash, and Takes a Bath
- In which Ernest Declines a Proposition
- In which Ernest Finds his Fellow-Students in Open Rebellion
- In which Ernest Attends the Trial of Bill Poodles and Dick Pearl
- In which Ernest Vanquishes the Schoolmaster
- In which Ernest Strikes a Heavy Blow, and Wins Another Victory
- In which Ernest has an Interview with his Uncle
- In which Ernest is Disowned and Cast out
- In which Ernest Raises the Splash, and there is a General Breaking <Br/> Away Among the Students
- In which Ernest is Chosen Commodore of the Fleet
- In which Ernest is Waited Upon by a Deputy Sheriff
- In which Ernest and the Commissary Visit Cannondale
- In which Ernest Conveys the Students to Pine Island
- In which Ernest Finds there is Treason in the Camp
- In which Ernest and his Companions Land at Cannondale
- In which Ernest and his Friends are Disgusted with Mr. Parasyte's <Br/> Ingratitude
- In which Ernest Takes the Wheel of the Adieno
- In which Ernest Continues to Act as Pilot of the Steamer
- In which Ernest Pilots the Adieno to "the Sisters."
- In which Ernest Takes Command of the Expedition
- In which Ernest Engages in an Exciting Steamboat Race
- In which Ernest Pilots the Adieno to Parkville
- In which Ernest Finds a Change in the Management of the Institute