Our Standard-Bearer by Oliver Optic
The narrative chronicles the life and military career of a prominent figure during the American Civil War, focusing on his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated general. The protagonist reflects on the significance of his subject's achievements, emphasizing the moral and strategic qualities that set him apart from other military leaders. The story begins with an exploration of the protagonist's admiration for the subject, who is portrayed as a man of exceptional will and capability, likened to historical figures such as Washington and Napoleon. The protagonist expresses a deep enthusiasm for the subject's military prowess, particularly during the Civil War, where he played a pivotal role in key battles. The narrative details the subject's early life, including his modest upbringing and the influence of his family, particularly his mother, who instilled in him a strong sense of duty and patriotism. The protagonist recounts the subject's education at West Point, where he developed the skills that would later serve him in battle. As the Civil War unfolds, the subject's leadership is highlighted through various military engagements, including the battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson. The protagonist emphasizes the subject's ability to inspire his troops and make decisive strategic choices, often against overwhelming odds. The narrative illustrates the subject's calm demeanor under pressure and his capacity to maintain order and discipline among his men, even in the face of adversity. The protagonist also addresses the challenges faced by the subject, including criticism from superiors and the difficulties of commanding inexperienced troops. Despite these obstacles, the subject's determination and tactical acumen lead to significant victories that bolster the Union's position in the war. The narrative culminates in the subject's recognition as a national hero, celebrated for his contributions to the Union cause. The protagonist reflects on the broader implications of the subject's victories, suggesting that they not only shaped the course of the war but also the future of the nation. Throughout the work, the protagonist maintains a tone of reverence and admiration, positioning the subject as a symbol of perseverance and leadership in a time of national crisis. The narrative serves as both a tribute to the subject's legacy and a commentary on the nature of heroism in the context of war.
By Oliver Optic · First published 1880 · Genre: Adventure, Young Adult, Historical Fiction · 30 chapters · 98,062 words
First lines
Who am I? It makes not the least difference who I am. If I shine at all in this veritable history, -- which I honestly confess I have not the slightest desire to do, -- it will be only in the reflected radiance of that great name which has become a household word in the home of every loyal citizen, north and south, of this mighty Republic; a name that will shine with transcendent lustre as his fame rings along down the grand procession of the ages, growing brighter and more glorious the farther it is removed from the petty jealousies of contemporaneous heroes, statesmen, and chroniclers.
What this Textopian page supports
Our Standard-Bearer is listed on Textopian as a novel by Oliver Optic, dated 1880 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: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction
- Length: 98,062 words
- Structure: 30 chapters, 838 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Our Standard-Bearer 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 Our Standard-Bearer?
- 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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- Dikes And Ditches by Oliver Optic
- Make Or Break by Oliver Optic
- Haste And Waste by Oliver Optic
Genres
- Adventure — The plot involves exploration and challenges faced by characters, typical of adventure narratives.
- Young Adult — The themes and characters are geared towards a younger audience, focusing on growth and self-discovery.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context reflect historical elements, providing a backdrop for the narrative.
- Coming-of-Age — The story centers on the personal development and maturation of the protagonist.
Tags
Coming-of-Age · Adventure · Nautical Fiction · Young Adult · Classic Literature · American Literature · 19th Century · Sea Story · Patriotism · Nationalism · Friendship · Growing Up
Contents
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Modestly Disparages himself, and Sets Forth with Becoming Enthusiasm the Virtues of the Illustrious Soldier Whose Life he Insists Upon Writing._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Delineates the Early History of the Illustrious Soldier, and Deduces Therefrom the Presages of Future Greatness._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken "Talks Horse," and Illustrates the Subject with some Anecdotes from the Life of the Illustrious Soldier._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Follows the Illustrious Soldier to West Point, and Dilates Admiringly Upon the Many Excellent Traits of Character which the Hero Exhibited there._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Accompanies the Illustrious Soldier to Mexico, and Glowingly Dilates Upon the Gallant Achievements of our Arms from Palo Alto to Monterey._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Marches with the Illustrious Soldier to the Halls of the Montezumas, and Glowingly Describes the Brilliant Campaign in Mexico._
- _in which Captain Galligasken Goes with the Illustrious Soldier to the Farm Near St. Louis, and Observes his Career through Various Misfortunes, Till he is Included in the Firm of Grant & Sons._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Discourses Upon the Breaking out of the Rebellion, and Describes the Noble and Modest Behavior of the Illustrious Soldier._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken has Something to Say about Citizen Soldiers, and Follows the Illustrious Soldier into the Field in Missouri._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Relates a Pleasing Anecdote of the Illustrious Soldier, and Shows how and why he Captured Paducah._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Describes the Battle of Belmont, and further Illustrates the Military Qualities of the Illustrious Soldier, as Exhibited in that Fierce Fight._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Rehearses the Persistent Efforts of the Illustrious Soldier to Obtain Permission to Attack Fort Henry, and Follows him to the Capture of that Important Position_
- _wherein Captain Galligasken States the Results of the Victory at Fort Henry, and Attends the Illustrious Soldier in the Investment of Fort Donelson_
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Follows the Illustrious Soldier to the Victory at Fort Donelson, and Points out the Nature and Extent of that Splendid Achievement_
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Follows the Illustrious Soldier through the Period of his Temporary Disgrace and Triumphant Vindication to the Opening Scenes at Shiloh._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Views the Illustrious Soldier in the Battle of Shiloh, and Corrects some Popular Errors in Regard to that Savage Fight._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Finishes the Battle of Shiloh, and Sympathizes with the Illustrious Soldier in his Unmerited Disgrace while he is Waiting, Waiting, before Corinth._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Treats of the Corinth Campaign, and Admiringly Calls Attention to the Splendid Abilities of the Illustrious Soldier as a District Commander._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Shows how Six Months were Spent Around Vicksburg by the Illustrious Soldier, and how the President Rather Liked the Man, and Thought he Would Try him a Little Longer._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Illustrates the Temperance Principles of the Illustrious Soldier, and Proceeds with him on his Conquering Path to the Capital of Mississippi._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Follows the Illustrious Soldier through the Campaign in Mississippi to the Siege and Surrender of Vicksburg._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Sums up the Magnificent Results of the Capture of Vicksburg, and Starts with the Illustrious Soldier for Chattanooga, after his Appointment to the Command of the Combined Armies of the Tennessee, the Cumberland, and the Ohio._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Details the Means by which the Illustrious Soldier Relieved the Army of the Cumberland, and Traces his Career to the Glorious Victory of Chattanooga_
- _wherein Captain Galligasken has Something more to Say about the Glorious Campaign of Chattanooga, and Illustrates some of the Personal Characteristics of the Illustrious Soldier_
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Follows the Illustrious Soldier to Washington, where, after Enduring Many Hardships, he is Commissioned Lieutenant General in the Army of the United States._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken has Something to Say about the Illustrious Soldier's Views of Strategy, and Follows him Across the Rapidan into the Wilderness._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Follows the Campaign of the Army of the Potomac, and the Illustrious Soldier Announces that he Shall Fight it out on that Line, if it Takes all Summer_
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Describes in Brief Detail the Siege of Petersburg and Richmond, and Attends the Illustrious Soldier to the End of the Campaign at Appomattox Court House._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken has a few Words to Say about Lee's Surrender, and Demonstrates, to his own and his Reader's Entire Satisfaction, that the Illustrious Soldier is not an Accidental Hero._
- _wherein Captain Galligasken Follows the Illustrious Soldier in his Career after the War, Relates Several Anecdotes of him, and Respectfully Invites the Whole World To_ Match him