Down South by Oliver Optic (1868)
"Down South" by Oliver Optic follows Captain Alick Garningham and his steam-yacht, the Sylvania, as they return to Florida after a cruise to the Caribbean. The narrative begins with the crew's navigation challenges and their arrival at St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. Alick, a young captain with a complex background, navigates both the waters and the social dynamics aboard the yacht, which is chartered by his wealthy cousin Owen Garningham and his family. As they settle in St. Augustine, Alick deals with the responsibilities of command, the needs of his passengers, and the intricacies of his relationships with the crew and his cousin. Tensions arise from Owen's entitlement and the financial arrangements of their voyage, leading to conflicts over expenses. Alick's past, including a conspiracy against him involving his father's solicitor, adds depth to his character and motivations. The story explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of leadership, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque Florida coast. Alick's interactions with various characters, including a mysterious gentleman named Kirby Cornwood, hint at further developments and potential conflicts as the narrative unfolds.
By Oliver Optic · First published 1868 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age · 30 chapters · 73,815 words
First lines
"That's it, as true as you live, Captain Alick! " exclaimed Bob Washburn, the mate of the Sylvania, as he dropped the spy-glass from his right eye. "Your dead-reckoning was correct every time."
"I have no doubt you are right, Washburn," I replied, referring to an open volume that lay on the shelf under the forward windows of the pilot-house. "A square tower, painted white, sixty-eight feet above the sea," I continued, reading from the _Coast Pilot_. "But there is another tower, more than twice that height. Ah, here is a note in pencil I made: 'The government has built a new tower, one hundred and sixty feet high."
What this Textopian page supports
Down South is listed on Textopian as a novel by Oliver Optic, dated 1868 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: 1868 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction, Family Saga
- Length: 73,815 words
- Structure: 30 chapters, 1,292 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Down South 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 Down South?
- How does this novel by Oliver Optic fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Adventure — The plot involves exploration and travel, typical of adventure narratives.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and themes reflect historical contexts relevant to the South.
- Coming-of-Age — The characters often experience personal growth and self-discovery.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style emphasizes character development and thematic depth.
Tags
Adventure · Coming-of-age · Family · Friendship · Growing up · Historical fiction · Humor · Juvenile literature · Literary fiction · Mentorship · Nautical fiction · Novel
Contents
- Making a Florida Port
- Our Liberal Passengers
- A Native Floridian
- A Trip up the San Sebastian
- Saved from the Burning House
- Moonlight and Music on Board
- The Enemy in a New Business
- A Disagreeable Room-Mate
- A Battle with the Serpent
- The Fellow in the Lock-Up
- The Hon. Pardon Tiffany's Warning
- Suggestions of Another Conspiracy
- Mr. Cobbington and his Pet Rattlesnake
- The Excursion to Fort George Island
- A War of Words
- Griffin Leeds at a Discount
- Poor Griff and his Counsel
- The Excursion to Mandarin
- The Adventures of an Invalid
- Difficulties in the Way of Departure
- A Visit to Orange Park
- Fishing in Doctor's Lake
- Trolling for Black Bass
- Green Cove Springs and Governor's Creek
- Alligator Shooting on Black Creek
- On Board of the Wetumpka
- Up the Ocklawaha to Lake Griffin
- An Expedition to Indian River
- A Mysterious Shot
- Shooting in the Forest and being Shot