A Leander of the East River
The narrative follows Hefty Burke, a skilled swimmer in the East River, who struggles against societal perceptions and personal challenges. Hefty, deemed a professional by local rowing clubs, finds himself unable to compete in official races, leading to a sense of frustration and contempt for the amateur swimmers. Despite lacking formal recognition, he earns a reputation as a life-saver, rescuing those in peril in the river, and receives thin gold medals from grateful families. Hefty’s life takes a turn when he falls in love with Mary Casey, the daughter of a strict Irish father who disapproves of Hefty’s lifestyle and ambitions. Hefty works as an ice-driver, hoping to prove himself worthy of Mary’s affection. However, his aspirations are thwarted when he is arrested after a drunken altercation with a policeman, leading to a thirty-day sentence on an island prison. During his imprisonment, Hefty grapples with despair over losing Mary and his job. He devises a plan to escape, taking advantage of a moment when the guard is distracted. He swims into the East River, facing the treacherous current that threatens to overwhelm him. Exhausted and on the brink of drowning, he is ultimately rescued by the captain of a canal-boat. After his escape, Hefty arrives at a ball where Mary is present with another suitor, Patsy Moffat. He interrupts their moment, claiming his place beside Mary and apologizing for his tardiness. The story concludes with Hefty’s determination to win Mary’s heart, despite the obstacles he faces, highlighting themes of love, redemption, and the struggle for acceptance in a challenging environment.
By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1902 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Sports Fiction · 3,537 words
First lines
"Hefty" Burke was one of the best swimmers in the East River. There was no regular way open for him to prove this, as the gentlemen of the Harlem boat-clubs, under whose auspices the annual races were given, called him a professional, and would not swim against him. "They won't keep company with me on land," Hefty complained, bitterly, "and they can't keep company with me in the water; so I lose both ways. " Young Burke held these gentlemen of the rowing clubs in great contempt, and their outriggers and low-necked and picturesque rowing clothes as well. They were fond of lying out of the current, with the oars pulled across at their backs for support, smoking and commenting audibly upon the other oarsmen who passed them by perspiring uncomfortably, and conscious that they were being criticised. Hefty said that these amateur oarsmen and swimmers were only pretty boys, and that he could give them two hundred yards start in a mile of rough or smooth water and pass them as easily as a tug passes a lighter.
What this Textopian page supports
A Leander of the East River is listed on Textopian as a short story by Richard Harding Davis, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Richard Harding Davis
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Sports Fiction, Social Commentary, Adventure
- Length: 3,537 words
- Structure: 1 section, 30 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Leander of the East River by Richard Harding Davis
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex characters and their emotional journeys, focusing on personal growth and social dynamics.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around Hefty Burke's romantic interest in Miss Casey and the challenges they face.
- Sports Fiction — Swimming and competition are key elements of the story, highlighting the protagonist's skills and aspirations.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques social class distinctions and the struggles of working-class individuals.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century Novel · Coming of Age · Social Commentary · Family Drama · Romance · Adventure · Travelogue · New York City Setting · East Coast Culture · Class Conflict