Out Nights by Oliver Optic (1854)
The story revolves around Charles Prescott, a devoted member of the Sons of Temperance, and his wife, Carrie. Carrie is initially unhappy with Charles's frequent absences due to his commitment to the temperance society. She feels lonely and wishes he would spend more time at home. Despite her pleas, Charles insists on attending the meetings, believing they help him maintain his principles of total abstinence. Carrie's brother, Frank Winslow, and his wife, Lucy, visit one evening. Frank, who is skeptical of the temperance movement, criticizes Charles's involvement. However, the situation takes a dramatic turn when Frank, who has been drinking, becomes visibly intoxicated. This incident shocks Carrie and Lucy, highlighting the dangers of alcohol abuse. The following morning, a remorseful Frank acknowledges his mistake and agrees to join the Sons of Temperance, realizing the importance of abstinence. This experience changes Carrie's perspective, and she comes to appreciate Charles's dedication to the society. She understands that his involvement is crucial for resisting societal temptations and maintaining a virtuous life. The narrative underscores the significance of temperance societies in promoting sobriety and the challenges faced by individuals and families in a society where drinking is a common vice. Through the characters' experiences, the story advocates for the principles of temperance and the supportive role of such organizations in fostering personal and communal well-being.
By Oliver Optic · First published 1854 · Genre: Temperance Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Didactic Fiction · 3 chapters · 3,110 words
First lines
"Don't go out to-night, Charles," said Mrs. Prescott, a pretty, sweet-smiling lady, who had been married just six months, to her husband.
"Really, Carrie, I am very sorry; but I do not see how I can be absent from the meeting to-night," replied the young husband, as he brought his great-coat from the entry.
What this Textopian page supports
Out Nights is listed on Textopian as a short story by Oliver Optic, dated 1854 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Oliver Optic
- Date: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Temperance Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Didactic Fiction, Social Satire, Realism
- Length: 3,110 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 131 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Out Nights by Oliver Optic
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Temperance Fiction — The narrative centrally debates alcohol consumption, temperance laws, and the merits of abstinence, embodying the moral and social issues surrounding the temperance movement.
- Domestic Fiction — The story focuses on marital dynamics and family life, highlighting the impact of societal commitments on personal relationships.
- Didactic Fiction — The work is intended to instruct readers by presenting moral dilemmas and consequences related to alcohol use and personal responsibility.
- Social Satire — The dialogue and situations satirize societal norms and the hypocritical nature of temperance societies, using humor and irony.
Tags
adventure · action · fantasy · mystery · thriller · exploration · courage · bravery · survival · quest · danger · youth