The Young Lieutenant by Oliver Optic
The Young Lieutenant follows a young officer during the Civil War as he embarks on a dangerous mission that tests his bravery and character amidst the challenges of warfare and unexpected encounters. As he navigates enemy territory, he must rely on his courage and resourcefulness to succeed in gathering crucial intelligence.
By Oliver Optic · First published 1868 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Young Adult · 31 chapters · 95,845 words
First lines
"I beg your pardon, sir; but I see, by the number on your cap, that we belong to the same regiment," said an officer with two bars on his shoulder-straps, as he halted in the aisle of the railroad-car, near where Lieutenant Thomas Somers was seated. "May I be permitted to inquire whom I have the honor of addressing?"
"Lieutenant Somers, of the -- -- th Massachusetts," replied the young gentleman addressed, as he politely touched his cap in return for the salutation of the other.
What this Textopian page supports
The Young Lieutenant 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, Young Adult, Military Fiction, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 95,845 words
- Structure: 31 chapters, 2,324 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Young Lieutenant 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 The Young Lieutenant?
- 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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- Square And Compasses by Oliver Optic
- Watch And Wait by Oliver Optic
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- The Boat Club by Oliver Optic
Genres
- Adventure — The plot centers around the experiences and challenges faced by a young lieutenant, emphasizing action and exploration.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set against a historical backdrop, reflecting the military and societal norms of the time.
- Young Adult — The protagonist is a young character, appealing to a younger audience and addressing themes relevant to youth.
- Military Fiction — The narrative focuses on military life, training, and the experiences of soldiers.
Tags
Nautical Fiction · Coming-of-Age Story · Adventure Novel · Young Adult Literature · Sea Stories · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Classic Novel · Picaresque Narrative · Social Commentary · Moral Education · Personal Growth
Contents
- Captain De Banyan and Others
- The Senator's Daughter
- A Friend at Court
- The Fire of Temptation
- On the Skirmish Line
- The Rebel Sharpshooters
- An Expedition in Front
- An Order from Headquarters
- Lieutenant Somers Changes his Name and Character
- Allan Garland and Friends
- The Virginia Maiden
- The Dignified Young Rebel
- An Unexpected Arrival
- The Rebel Division General
- The Sharpshooter in the Woods
- Return to the Camp
- Glendale and Malvern Hills
- Lieutenant Somers has a New Sensation
- Over the River
- Captain De Banyan Finds an Old Friend
- The Third Tennessee
- The Rebel Farm-House
- The Man in the Chimney
- A Broken Bargain
- Somers is Compelled to Back Out
- A Night in Petersburg
- A Friend Indeed
- Dr. Scoville's Patient
- De Banyan at Work
- Another Commission
- Washington, Boston and Pinchbrook