A Bicycle built for Two
An ambitious young eel aspires to ride a bicycle but struggles with balance and control. Despite his enthusiasm, he finds it impossible to sit properly on the saddle, leading to comical attempts that result in failure. His tail only pedals on one side, and when he tries to hang over the top, he cannot steer or stop, causing him to flop under the wheel. Observing his plight, a neighbor suggests a collaborative approach, proposing that they ride together. The neighbor believes that two heads are better than one and devises a plan to secure them with a belt made of bottle-green felt. Once they are fastened together, the two eels manage to mount the bicycle and ride away, creating a whimsical scene that delights onlookers. The narrative explores themes of teamwork and ingenuity, illustrating how collaboration can overcome individual limitations. The playful tone and humorous situations highlight the absurdity of the eels' predicament while celebrating the joy of shared experiences. The poem concludes with the image of the two eels riding off, leaving behind a sense of wonder and amusement.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1909 · Genre: Children's Fiction, Adventure, Humor · 282 words
First lines
There was an ambitious young eel Who determined to ride on a wheel; But try as he might, He couldn't ride right, In spite of his ardor and zeal.
If he sat on the saddle to ride His tail only pedalled one side; And I'm sure you'll admit That an eel _couldn't_ sit On a bicycle saddle astride.
Or if he hung over the top, He could go, but he never could stop; For of course it is clear He had no way to steer, And under the wheel he would flop.
His neighbor, observing the fun, Said, "I think that the thing can be done, If you'll listen to me, You'll quickly agree That two heads are better than one.
What this Textopian page supports
A Bicycle built for Two is listed on Textopian as a short story by Carolyn Wells, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Carolyn Wells
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Fiction, Adventure, Humor
- Length: 282 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Bicycle built for Two by Carolyn Wells
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Bicycle built for Two?
- How does this short story by Carolyn Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Children's Fiction — The book revolves around a simple and charming plot suitable for children.
- Adventure — The story encompasses the adventurous journey of two individuals on a bicycle.
- Humor — Carolyn Wells is known for her humoristic style of writing, which is evident in the book.
Tags
mystery · detective · crime · suspense · thriller · humor · romance · adventure · friendship · investigation · plot twist · whodunit