A Long-Felt Want by Carolyn Wells
A young boy, Willie, discovers a solution to a common problem faced by children at school: the loss of personal belongings. While perusing a florist's catalogue, he excitedly proposes that his mother purchase a rubber plant and an umbrella tree. He believes these plants will serve as unique identifiers for his possessions, preventing them from getting mixed up with those of his classmates. Willie's innocent logic highlights the challenges of childhood and the desire for ownership and individuality. The narrative unfolds with a blend of humor and charm, showcasing the boy's imaginative thinking and the playful dynamics between him and his mother. As the story progresses, it explores themes of childhood innocence, the importance of personal items, and the creative ways children address their concerns. The whimsical nature of Willie's request reflects a deeper longing for security and recognition in a world where belongings can easily be lost. The story captures the essence of childhood desires and the simple yet profound ways children navigate their experiences.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1921 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Historical fiction · 155 words
First lines
One day wee Willie and his dog Sprawled on the nursery floor. He had a florist's catalogue, And turned the pages o'er,
Till all at once he gave a spring, "Hurrah! " he cried with joy; "Mamma, here's just the very thing To give your little boy!
"For when we fellows go to school, We lose our things, you know; And in that little vestibule They do get mixed up so.
"And as you often say you can't Take care of 'em for me, Why don't you buy a _rubber plant_, And an _umbrella tree_? "
What this Textopian page supports
A Long-Felt Want is listed on Textopian as a short story by Carolyn Wells, dated 1921 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: 1921 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Drama, Historical fiction, Adventure
- Length: 155 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Long-Felt Want by Carolyn Wells
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Long-Felt Want?
- How does this short story by Carolyn Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romance — The book 'A Long-Felt Want' is primarily a romance novel, exemplified by the intertwining narratives of the story's main characters and their emotional relationships.
- Drama — This book can also be classified as a drama due to the existence of conflicts and tensions between characters, and a plot that presents a series of high emotional points.
- Historical fiction — The story is set in a specific historical time period and the plot is influenced by the events, customs, and manners of that time.
- Adventure — Elements of adventure are present through depiction of characters' journeys and the challenges they face.
Tags
mystery · detective · crime · suspense · thriller · fiction · literature · novel · plot twist · investigation · characters · intrigue