Shifting For Himself; or, Gilbert Greyson's Fortunes

"Shifting For Himself; or, Gilbert Greyson's Fortunes" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows a young boy named Gilbert Greyson, who faces sudden poverty while preparing for college, forcing him to abandon his aspirations and enter the workforce. His journey illustrates themes of self-reliance, resilience, and personal growth, with particular attention to the challenges faced by youth in navigating the demands of adulthood. The beginning of the novel introduces Gilbert Greyson, a spirited 16-year-old boarding at Dr. Burton’s school, and his close friend John Munford, who must leave school to work. As Gilbert looks forward to a summer trip, he receives a letter from his guardian, Richard Briggs, revealing that he will no longer be able to afford his education due to financial constraints. This letter propels Gilbert into adulthood, emphasizing the necessity for him to make his own way in the world, mirroring the experiences of many boys who find themselves required to "shift for themselves" in times of need. The opening chapters set the stage for Gilbert's transformation from a hopeful student to a young man determined to navigate the complexities of life independently. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Horatio Alger Jr. was an American author who wrote young adult novels about impoverished boys and their rise from humble backgrounds to middle-class security and comfort through good works. His writings were characterized by the "rags-to-riches" narrative, which had a formative effect on the United States from 1868 through to his death in 1899.