Henty Essay Contest Winners

SECOND PLACE WINNER — 16 and UNDER CATEGORY

Jennifer Straw

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED from MR. HENTY

I have read 25 Henty books, and have learned an immense amount from Mr. Henty. I really enjoy the way Mr. Henty explains historical settings, and have learned so much about famous people, other lands, and other eras. The way the historical people interact with the fictional characters makes each book come alive and makes the fictional characters and events surrounding them seem very real. Mr. Henty combines the historical and fictional so well, it seems that they cannot be separated. I really appreciate the way each Henty hero illustrates several virtues, from bravery to unselfishness, for these virtues are the fruit of dedicated Christian lives.

From The Knight of the White Cross I learned about the Knights of the Order of St. John, how they kept the Turks within bounds, and how Rhodes offered hospitality to many people of many different nationalities. Mr. Henty explained the siege of Rhodes in a breathtaking way. It was a wonderful defense that they made! The Knights of the Order of St. John were truly men of bravery and honour, and Gervaise is a prime example of one of the best. He shows much bravery throughout the whole book, and he must certainly have known when he struck down the pirate captain that his life could be forfeited, but because of his gentlemanly spirit he did not hesitate, for it was a child that had been struck by the captain. This book made me feel like I was right beside Gervaise, fighting pirates, and recuing men.

In Saint Bartholomew’s Eve I learned of the terrible massacre that occurred on August 24, 1572. Before reading this book I knew that Christians had suffered and died for their faith, but now I know so much more. It is a shame that Catharine de Medici was not a Christian, for she would have been a wonderful leader for the Huguenot people, as it was she was an enemy to be feared. Jeanne of Mavarre was certainly a wonderful woman, and her son, Henri, was the kind of boy who makes an excellent prince, as he had been brought up as a hardy peasant boy, in the land of Mavarre. I really liked the way Henri made friends with Phillip right away. This made the story come alive so much more than if Henri had just been someone to gaze at and admire. Phillip was also a wonderful hero, and he shows both a coolness and courage as he duels with Count Raoul de Fontaine, and as he rescues Mademoiselle Claire de Valecourt from the massacre in Paris. Though based on a horrible time period this book does not get macabre. Mr. Henty had a wonderful way of making a person see the era as it was, however terrible it may have been.

Through The Tiger of Mysore I learned about the lifestyles of those who lived in India 200 years ago. The war with Hyder Ali, Tippoo Sahib’s father, came alive for me through the Rajah’s narrative. Hyder Ali was truly a wise man, though he did not always pursue the right course in obtaining his wishes. Even before the war of 1795 Tippoo Sahib was labeled as a human tiger, but his cruelty during the war increased even more. It was interesting to learn how spies might have obtained information about Tippoo’s movements, through Dick and Surajah’s adventures. The jumping of the tiger into zenana was a very exciting escapade, and clearly showed how unselfish and kind Dick was, as he could not stand by and see defenseless women killed. Dick had so many good ideas about how to get out of scrapes! I really think that reading about people who can figure their way out of many situations encourages a young person figure their own way out of tough situations, not sit and despair!

After reading The Young Carthaginian I understood that Hannibal’s decision to make the passage over the Alps was an incredible choice, but a necessary one, for the Romans would not come to the Carthaginians. This allowed the Romans to fight on their own ground, but would require many men and supplies for the Carthaginians. The crossing of the Alps, which included crossing the Rhone, was filled with many hardships, to which, I believe, none were more suited than Malchus. His training as a young boy certainly aided him greatly in the passage over the Alps, and he showed an abundance of loyalty and valour as he stood before Scipio, for he could have been put to death very quickly for not answering the General’s question. I was interested in the encounter Malchus and Nessus had with the bears, and I also enjoyed reading about Mqalchus’ escape from prison. This escape is one of the most well-thought out events in the whole book. After learning about how noble and brave Hannibal was, it seems terrible to me that his countryman, whom he was trying to help, did not come to his aid as he stood before royal Rome, needing supplies and men. Mr. Henty points out in the preface that it was probably better that Rome was the conqueror, rather than Carthage. For while Carthage was ‘a cruel mistress’, as a whole, Rome helped civilize the countries she conquered.

In the Reign of Terror successfully transported me to 18th century England and France. It seems awful that the Reign of Terror was started by innocent people who wanted to have more say in the way France was ruled. The violence of the mob and the executions of many of France’s noblemen and women was an awful way to try to reform a country. Harry’s adventures as he takes care of Marie, Jeanne, and Virginia show how dreadful the Reign of Terror was, and yet it also shows that evil Robespierre was really a human, though he often didn’t act like one. I love the way Harry courageously responds when, unknowingly, he rescues Robespierre from would-by assassins. It is also breathtaking the way Harry managed to rescue Marie from evil Lebat. I do not believe you could find a better hero than Harry Sandwith. He shows a great loyalty and unselfishness as he takes care of the de St. Caux girls, and Victor de Gisons, who is stricken down with the fever, in dangerous Paris. Harry is a wonderful role model. For a young man his age to do all he did is simply amazing.

The Cat of Bubustes was very intriguing! I had not realized how scared cats were to the Egyptians. I was astounded to learn what a high penalty there was for killing one. It is also interesting to note how evil some of the priests were, which is shown by Chebron and Amuba overhearing the plot to kill a then unknown someone. Amuba and Jethro showed a great cheerfulness as they made the long journey as captives into Egypt. It would be well if we followed their examples when we have hardships. I also found the description of the way bodies are mummified very interesting, and I loved the adventures of Chebron, Amuba, and Jethro, with the crocodiles and hippos! Amuba, Jethro, and Chebron’s courage as they rescue Mysa and Ruth from the priest’s men, and then as they travel across country with the girls to the land of the Rebu is very exceptional.

In With Lee in Virginia Mr. Henty showed me so clearly, through Vincent’s encounter with Jackson, how there were good and bad slave owners. It was amazing to read how Vincent risked his life to help Tony escape. Vincent’s escapades as he is taken prisoner by the Yankees and then as he escapes from the Elmira prison with Dan’s help, are very exciting! His encounter with the bush-whackers, from whom he rescued Miss Kingston and Chloe, shows clearly how desperate and horrible bush-whackers really were. The experience with Jonas Pearson was a very stirring one, and was an excellent picture of how evil some overseers were. Vincent is another one of the Henty heroes who abounds in valour and unselfishness. His heart must truly have been filled with love toward the Black people, for this whole book is full of his adventures while trying to help Tony and Dinah.

I am so glad that Mr. Henty decided to write books about historical situations with fictional people in them. After reading a Henty book I sometimes wonder how much of the main character’s life was true. It is very hard to separate the historical settings and famous people from the main character. This is part of what makes these books seem so real. The virtues that Mr. Henty gives each character also helps to make them seem alive. The virtues that I have mentioned: bravery, unselfishness and loyalty, show that these heroes were not just boys, but true Christian boys, and hence, heroes. Mr. Henty is one of the best storytellers that ever lived. The amazing thing is that he did not just write ten or fifteen books, but more than seventy books!

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