Breaking Away; or, The Fortunes of a Student

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22433

Title

Breaking Away; or, The Fortunes of a Student

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this spirited tale of boyhood rebellion, Ernest Thornton leads a group of students at the Parkville Liberal Institute in a dramatic uprising against their tyrannical principal, Mr. Parasyte. Blending adventure with moral lessons on justice and courage, this classic story captures the excitement of youthful defiance and the consequences of standing up for what is right.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Breaking Away; or, The Fortunes of a Student* by Oliver Optic, fourteen-year-old Ernest Thornton finds himself at the center of a dramatic struggle against the tyrannical Principal Mr. Parasyte at the Parkville Liberal Institute. The story opens with Ernest being unjustly blamed for a fight involving the wealthy student Bill Poodles, highlighting the principal's deep-seated bias toward the rich and oppression of the poor. Ernest's personal life is equally complex; he resides with a silent, misanthropic uncle who refuses to reveal his mysterious past, leaving Ernest eager to uncover his true identity and the story of his missing mother. As tensions escalate, the students organize a secret rebellion. Ernest is elected Commodore of the student fleet, leading his peers in a daring escape from the institute. They sail their boats to Pine Island, establishing a fortified camp with the intention of starving out the principal rather than submitting to his rule. The rebellion faces significant challenges, including a blockade attempt by Mr. Parasyte and a deputy sheriff sent to arrest Ernest. Despite these threats, the boys maintain their resolve, utilizing their knowledge of Lake Adieno and strategic navigation to evade capture. The narrative explores themes of social inequality, the corruption of authority, and the moral complexities of rebellion. While the boys' actions are driven by a desire for justice, the story acknowledges that their methods sometimes cross ethical lines. The plot thickens with the arrival of new recruits, including Bill Poodles, who seeks redemption, and the eventual intervention of Ernest's uncle, who reveals his hidden support for the students. The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation where the students' unity and courage ultimately triumph over the principal's attempts to crush their spirit, leading to a resolution that restores a sense of fairness and order at the institute.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Students