Breaking Away; or, The Fortunes of a Student

** "Breaking Away; or, The Fortunes of a Student" by Oliver Optic is a tale from the 1800's, detailing the trials of a young student named Ernest Thornton, whose quest for fairness places him at odds with his school's rigid rules. This fourteen-year-old faces not only the social complexities of school, but also the sting of unjust accusations when he's hauled before the stern principal, Mr. Parasyte, for supposedly fighting with the favored William Poodles. The narrative quickly exposes a world of favoritism and inequality within the school, where standing up for oneself can lead to expulsion, and Ernest's refusal to accept injustice sparks a rebellion among his classmates, highlighting themes of loyalty, integrity, and the courage to fight against oppressive authority. The story begins with Ernest facing dire consequences, illustrating his deep inner conflict and setting the stage for a powerful showdown between students united in their demand for justice and a schoolmaster blinded by personal bias. **