Donkey Races by Alice Meynell (1907)
"Donkey Races" is a poem written by Alice Meynell in 1902. The poem follows the journey of a donkey as it participates in a race, highlighting the animal's determination and spirit. Through the use of vivid imagery and clever wordplay, Meynell creates a humorous and lighthearted tone that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The poem also touches on themes of perseverance and resilience, reminding readers of the importance of never giving up in the face of adversity. Overall, "Donkey Races" is a delightful and engaging read that is sure to bring a smile to any reader's face.
By Alice Meynell · First published 1907 · Genre: Fiction, Children's literature, Adventure · 1,650 words
First lines
English acting had for some time past still been making a feint of running the race that wins. The retort, the interruption, the call, the reply, the surprise, had yet kept a spoilt tradition of suddenness and life. You had, indeed, to wait for an interruption in dialogue -- it is true you had to wait for it; so had the interrupted speaker on the stage.
What this Textopian page supports
Donkey Races is listed on Textopian as a poem by Alice Meynell, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Alice Meynell
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Children's literature, Adventure, Drama, Comedy
- Length: 1,650 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Donkey Races by Alice Meynell
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
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- The Optimist And The Cynic by Ambrose Bierce
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- Ad Cattonum by Ambrose Bierce
- A Baby Tramp by Ambrose Bierce
- To Oscar Wilde by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fiction — Due to the fictional nature of the story and setting
- Children's literature — The simple language and use of animals typically appeals to children
- Adventure — The presence of a race brings about elements of adventure
- Drama — Emotional interactions among the characters could place it under drama
Tags
humor · animal fiction · racing · donkeys · satire · social commentary · British literature · Victorian era · short stories · anthology · classic literature · literary criticism
More by Alice Meynell
- Poems: SONNET -- MY HEART SHALL BE THY GARDEN (1903)
- Poems: SONNET -- THOUGHTS IN SEPARATION (1903)
- Poems: TO A POET (1903)
- Poems: SONG OF THE SPRING TO THE SUMMER: THE POET SINGS TO HER POET (1903)
- Poems: TO THE BELOVED (1903)
- Poems: MEDITATION (1903)
- Poems: TO THE BELOVED DEAD -- A LAMENT (1903)
- Poems: SONNET (1903)
- All works by Alice Meynell