Breaking Away; or, The Fortunes of a Student

A determined fourteen‑year‑old named Ernest Thornton finds himself at the center of a tense showdown in the rigid halls of the Parkville Liberal Institute. When the stern principal, Mr. Parasyte, accuses him of starting a fight with the well‑to‑do William Poodles, Ernest must defend his actions while navigating the harsh discipline of a school that feels more like a battlefield than a classroom.

Through sharp dialogue and vivid scenes, the story captures the clash between youthful resolve and authoritarian rule. Ernest’s struggle isn’t just about clearing his name; it raises questions about fairness, bravery, and the cost of standing up against a bully in a world where power often silences the weak. Listeners will be drawn into the tense atmosphere of the schoolroom, feeling every echo of the principal’s booming commands and the restless energy of a boy determined to break free.