Square and Compasses by Oliver Optic
Square and Compasses follows the students of Beech Hill Industrial School as they enthusiastically engage in the construction of a boat-house, fostering teamwork and discipline while applying their carpentry and engineering skills. The project not only encourages a sense of accomplishment but also highlights the importance of learning from mistakes, as demonstrated by a student's willingness to admit his error, much to the principal's satisfaction.
By Oliver Optic · First published 1868 · Genre: Adventure, Young Adult, Historical Fiction · 30 chapters · 71,258 words
First lines
"What's the use of wearing a uniform? We are not soldiers, and you are not going to make soldiers of us, Captain Gildrock," said Ben Ludlow, when the principal of the Beech Hill Industrial School announced, at the close of the afternoon session, that the students would be required to wear a peculiar dress. "I don't believe in being dressed up like a monkey on a hand organ."
What this Textopian page supports
Square and Compasses 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, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Mystery
- Length: 71,258 words
- Structure: 30 chapters, 1,384 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Square and Compasses 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 Square and Compasses?
- 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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- Freaks Of Fortune by Oliver Optic
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- Ready About by Oliver Optic
- All Adrift by Oliver Optic
- All Aboard 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 discovery.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context reflect historical elements, providing a backdrop for the narrative.
- Coming-of-Age — The story likely includes themes of personal development and maturation of the characters.
Tags
Nautical Fiction · Coming-of-Age Story · Adventure Novel · Young Adult Literature · Maritime History · Sea Farers · Shipbuilding · Sailing · Naval Career · Personal Growth · Self-Discovery · Friendship
Contents
- Some Indications of a Rebellion
- An Impromptu Race between the Beech Hill Barges
- Dory Dornwood Argues the Question
- The Chesterfields Hang out their Banners
- Just before the Battle
- The Coxswain of the Winooski Indulges in more Strategy
- An Unsatisfactory Conference on the Waves
- The Chesterfields Surrender their Banners
- A Rebellion in the Schoolroom
- Important to Boy Architects and Engineers
- Dory Dornwood Confronts the Topovers
- Tom Topover has Reason to be Astonished
- A Victory for the Topovers
- The Pursuit in the Goldwing
- The Skipper Uses a Nautical Lasso
- Commodore Tom Topover Visits the Goldwing
- The Chesterfields and their Allies Renew the Battle
- Dory Dornwood Deals in Moral Courage
- Something more about the Beech Hill Rebellion
- The Visiting Committee at Beech Hill
- The Orator of the Rebels Obtains a Hearing
- Bolly Explains his Plans for the Boat-House and Wharf
- Volleys of Questions Asked and Answered
- The New Captain of the Sylph
- The First Officer and Party in Battle Array
- The Result of the Battle on the Caisson
- The Interview between the Two Principals
- Something about Framing the Boat-House
- The Students Use the Square and Compasses
- The Students Celebrate the Completion of the Building of the House