That scholarship boy

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26104

Title

That scholarship boy

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A poignant tale of class prejudice and redemption, 'That Scholarship Boy' follows Horace Howard, a poor student from a board school who earns a scholarship at an exclusive grammar school. Facing bullying and social ostracization from wealthy peers, Horace finds unexpected friendship in the son of a doctor. Through a dangerous accident and the intervention of a principled headmaster, the school confronts its own hypocrisy. Ultimately, the narrative explores themes of forgiveness, the value of character over wealth, and the...

Summary up to 500 words

In Emma Leslie's *That Scholarship Boy*, the narrative centers on Horace Howard, a diligent student from a working-class background who secures a scholarship to attend the elite Torrington's grammar school. Despite his academic promise, Horace faces immediate hostility from wealthy classmates led by the arrogant Taylor and Curtis. These students isolate Horace, sending him to 'Coventry'—a social exile where he is ignored and bullied. Horace's only ally is Warren, the son of a doctor, who defends him against the mob. The tension escalates dangerously when Taylor and Curtis, driven by arrogance, leave a bottle of acid in the chemistry laboratory. This act results in a gas leak that severely burns Horace and nearly kills Warren and another student. The crisis forces a reckoning. Headmaster Dr. Mason exposes the boys' persecution, expelling Taylor and Curtis and suspending Leonard Morrison, Horace's friend who had initially been complicit. Leonard's father, Dr. Morrison, intervenes to ensure Horace receives proper medical care. During Horace's recovery, a significant revelation emerges: his wealthy uncle has returned from abroad with a fortune, complicating the family dynamics as Horace's brother, Fred, struggles with resentment toward their absent father. Ultimately, the school and families confront issues of fairness and duty. Dr. Mason charges the wealthy parents for Horace's ruined clothes, symbolizing a moral correction. The story concludes with the reconciliation of the boys, Horace's recovery, and the families learning that true worth lies in integrity and compassion rather than social status or accumulated wealth.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Schools