The Jump at Corey's Slip

Name: The Jump at Corey's Slip
Author: Richard Harding Davis

The narrative centers on a group of boys known as the Brick Dust Gang, who frequent a brick-yard on the East side, engaging in youthful mischief and camaraderie. The gang is led by Buck Mooney, a strong-willed and quick-tempered boy, whose leadership is challenged by Tommy Grant, a younger and smaller boy who proves to be a better swimmer. As spring arrives, the gang enjoys swimming in the river, but tensions rise between Mooney and Grant after a swimming competition where Grant wins a gold medal, further fueling Mooney's jealousy and resentment. The gang becomes divided, with factions forming around each boy, leading to a loss of unity and influence. In a bid to regain his status, Mooney proposes a dangerous dive from a high derrick, a challenge that escalates the rivalry. Despite warnings from his peers, Mooney climbs to the top and attempts the jump, misjudging the distance and striking the posts, leading to a serious accident. Tommy, witnessing the incident, bravely jumps in to save Mooney, risking his own safety. He successfully retrieves Mooney, who is unconscious, and they are taken to safety by a nearby yacht. Mooney suffers injuries but survives, while Tommy downplays his heroism, insisting he acted out of urgency rather than bravery. In the aftermath, both boys receive recognition, with Mooney awarded a medal for his dive, and the gang finds itself with two leaders, each claiming the title. The story explores themes of rivalry, bravery, and the complexities of youth dynamics, ultimately highlighting the bond formed through shared experiences and challenges.

By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1902 · Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Adventure, Drama · 2,354 words

First lines

The jump from Corey's slip was never made but by two of the Brick Dust Gang, and though, as it turned out, they were not sorry they had taken it, they served as a warning to all the others of the gang against trying to emulate their daring.

What this Textopian page supports

The Jump at Corey's Slip 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: Young Adult Fiction, Adventure, Drama, Sports Fiction, Coming-of-Age
Length: 2,354 words
Structure: 1 section, 32 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for The Jump at Corey's Slip by Richard Harding Davis
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Young Adult Fiction — The story revolves around the experiences and challenges faced by young boys, particularly focusing on themes of leadership, rivalry, and coming-of-age.
Adventure — The plot includes daring activities, such as swimming and diving, which are central to the boys' experiences and conflicts.
Drama — The narrative explores emotional conflicts, personal rivalries, and the consequences of reckless behavior among the characters.
Sports Fiction — The story features competitive swimming and diving, highlighting the physical prowess and challenges faced by the characters.