An Old-Time Pedagogue
This work is a satirical critique of traditional education methods and societal expectations. It portrays an old-fashioned teacher who adheres rigidly to outdated pedagogical techniques, despite their ineffectiveness in promoting genuine learning or personal growth. The narrative highlights the absurdities of a system that prioritizes rote memorization over critical thinking and creativity. The protagonist's strict adherence to authority and tradition is contrasted with the stifling effects it has on students' intellectual curiosity and emotional well-being. Through this character, the work critiques the notion that education should be a one-size-fits-all experience, and instead advocates for a more flexible and adaptive approach that acknowledges individual differences and promotes autonomy.
By Annie Fellows Johnston · First published 1916 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Children's Literature, Romance · 449 words
First lines
SLOWLY adown the village street With groping cane and faltering feet, He goes each day through cold or heat -- Old Daddy Hight.
His hair is scant upon his head, His eyes are dim, his nose is red, And yet, his mien is stern and dread -- Old Daddy Hight.
What this Textopian page supports
An Old-Time Pedagogue is listed on Textopian as a short story by Annie Fellows Johnston, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Annie Fellows Johnston
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Children's Literature, Romance, Drama
- Length: 449 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Old-Time Pedagogue by Annie Fellows Johnston
- 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering An Old-Time Pedagogue?
- How does this short story by Annie Fellows Johnston fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — This novel features a setting and plot that are deeply rooted in historical events and is thus classified as historical fiction.
- Children's Literature — Written by Annie Fellows Johnston, renowned for her children's books, this novel caters to a young audience with a relatable character development and narrative style.
- Romance — There are elements of love and relationships included in the plot contributing to the genre of romance.
- Drama — The story involves a series of thrilling events and emotional conflicts making it suitable for the drama genre.
Tags
historical fiction · coming of age · young adult · Kentucky · frontier life · education · teaching · family · community · small town · tradition · innocence
More by Annie Fellows Johnston
- Mildred's Inheritance; Just Her Way; Ann's Own Way (1906)
- The Quilt that Jack Built; How He Won the Bicycle (1904)
- The Legend of the Bleeding-heart (1907)
- Big Brother (1893)
- In the Desert of Waiting: The Legend of Camel-back Mountain (1904)
- Georgiana of the Rainbows (1920)
- The Little Colonel (1907)
- The Gate of the Giant Scissors (1920)
- All works by Annie Fellows Johnston