A Derelict by Richard Harding Davis

Name: A Derelict
Author: Richard Harding Davis

The narrative follows a war correspondent named Keating, who works for the Consolidated Press during the Spanish-American War. He is dispatched to Jamaica to cover the naval blockade of Santiago, leaving behind his new wife. Keating is characterized as a diligent reporter focused solely on delivering facts without embellishment, which earns him both respect and envy from his peers. In Jamaica, he encounters Channing, a fellow journalist who has fallen out of favor and struggles to find work. Channing is portrayed as a talented writer with a penchant for creativity, but his inability to conform to the demands of the press leads to his professional decline. The two men represent contrasting approaches to journalism: Keating's fact-driven style versus Channing's desire for narrative depth. As the war progresses, Channing becomes increasingly desperate to participate in the action and secure a story. He is sidelined by circumstances, forced to scavenge for food and sleep among the local population. Meanwhile, Keating's situation deteriorates as he succumbs to alcoholism, struggling to maintain his composure under the pressure of war reporting. The climax occurs during a pivotal naval battle when Channing, despite his illness, manages to write a compelling account of the conflict. However, in a moment of selflessness, he signs Keating's name to the story, believing it will protect Keating's career and reputation. This act of sacrifice highlights Channing's internal conflict and desire for redemption. After the war, Channing returns to New York, only to discover that Keating has been celebrated for the very story he wrote. The narrative concludes with Channing feeling a mix of pride and bitterness, having sacrificed his own potential for the sake of another. The story explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of journalism, ultimately questioning the nature of success and recognition in a competitive field.

By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1896 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Drama · 14,173 words

First lines

When the war-ships of a navy lie cleared for action outside a harbor, and the war-ships of the country with which they are at war lie cleared for action inside the harbor, there is likely to be trouble. Trouble between war-ships is news, and wherever there is news there is always a representative of the Consolidated Press.

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A Derelict is listed on Textopian as a novel by Richard Harding Davis, dated 1896 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Richard Harding Davis
Date: 1896 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Drama, Historical Fiction, Romance
Length: 14,173 words
Structure: 1 section, 252 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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How does this novel by Richard Harding Davis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes and character development, typical of literary fiction.
Adventure — The plot involves elements of exploration and survival, characteristic of adventure narratives.
Drama — The emotional depth and interpersonal conflicts present in the story align with dramatic storytelling.
Historical Fiction — The setting and context may reflect historical events or periods, placing it within historical fiction.