Edwin, the Young Rabbit Fancier by Anonymous
A young, impulsive boy convinces his mother to let him buy a pet rabbit that captivates him with its beauty. Initially brimming with enthusiasm and armed with plans to care for it properly, he sets out to build it a home. However, his inexperience leads him to a series of failed attempts. In one misguided effort, he confines the new pet in a coal-hole during an election-night bonfire, causing the white creature to become sooty and unrecognizable. Later, seeking an alternative solution, he moves the injured rabbit to a pigsty, where neglect and a lack of proper care take their toll. As the animal grows weak, lame, and unable to eat properly, its condition deteriorates until it ultimately dies, a victim of the boy’s inconsistency and inattention to its needs. Stricken by remorse and grief at the loss of his pet, the boy’s initial infatuation with the promised ease of friendship turns into sorrowful regret. Overwhelmed by his failure to nurture and protect the creature he had so eagerly claimed to love, he mourns deeply, going so far as to dig a grave in his garden and lavish his pet with makeshift tokens of affection. The narrative captures not only the heartbreak of losing a cherished companion but also serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibilities inherent in caring for another living being. Through the boy’s tragic experience, the work underscores the importance of commitment and the potential consequences of neglect, reflecting on youthful impulsiveness and the painful lessons that often accompany unconsidered promises.
By Anonymous · First published 1866 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fable/Moral Tale, Animal Fiction · 2,106 words
First lines
Edwin was a very tender-hearted boy, and very eager about a thing when he took it into his head; but his enthusiasm very often left him just at the time it ought to have remained with him. Thus he never pursued any study or amusement for any length of time with profit to himself, and often fell into very grievous errors.
"Oh! dear mama," said he one day to his mother. "I do so much wish that I had something for a pet; there is Charles Jones has a sweet little bird, and cousin James has a squirrel. I should so like something for a pet. Do, mama, buy me something-a Guinea pig, or a couple of pigeons, or a rabbit. Oh! I saw such a beautiful white rabbit yesterday.
What this Textopian page supports
Edwin, the Young Rabbit Fancier is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anonymous, dated 1866 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Anonymous
- Date: 1866 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fable/Moral Tale, Animal Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Tragic Story
- Length: 2,106 words
- Structure: 1 section, 34 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Edwin, the Young Rabbit Fancier by Anonymous
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is written in a simple style and features a young protagonist, making it accessible and engaging for a young audience.
- Fable/Moral Tale — The story conveys clear moral lessons about responsibility, care, and the consequences of neglect.
- Animal Fiction — Central to the plot is the relationship between Edwin and his pet rabbit, emphasizing themes of animal care and behavior.
- Domestic Fiction — The setting and family interactions highlight everyday life and the dynamics within a household.
Tags
rabbits · animals · childhood · adventure · fantasy · fable · whimsy · nature · friendship · curiosity · growth · imagination