A Serious Question by Carolyn Wells
A whimsical tale unfolds as a kitten encounters a butterfly, leading to a playful exchange. The kitten, curious and lighthearted, engages the butterfly in conversation, but the butterfly responds with disdain. Suddenly, a fairy appears and magically removes the butterfly's wings, attaching them to the kitten instead. This transformation allows the kitten to soar into the air, where it gazes at its reflection in the river. Overwhelmed by the experience, the kitten grapples with its new identity, questioning whether it has become a "butter-kitten" or remains just a "kitten-fly." The narrative explores themes of identity, transformation, and the interplay between reality and fantasy, all conveyed through a light and playful tone. The kitten's journey serves as a metaphor for self-discovery and the complexities of understanding one's place in the world. The enchanting elements of fairies and magic add depth to the story, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of change and the essence of being. The work combines humor and charm, appealing to both children and adults, while delivering a poignant message about embracing one's true self amidst whimsical circumstances.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1920 · Genre: Romance, Humor · 161 words
First lines
A kitten went a-walking One morning in July, And idly fell a-talking With a great big butterfly.
The kitten's tone was airy, The butterfly would scoff; When there came along a fairy Who whisked his wings right off.
And then -- for it is written Fairies can do such things -- Upon the startled kitten She stuck the yellow wings.
The kitten felt a quiver, She rose into the air, Then flew down to the river To view her image there.
What this Textopian page supports
A Serious Question is listed on Textopian as a short story by Carolyn Wells, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Humor
- Length: 161 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Serious Question 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 Serious Question?
- 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 primary plot of the book revolves around romantic relationships.
- Humor — The book also includes large element of humor woven into the writing style and dialogue.
Tags
mystery · detective · crime · suspense · thriller · fiction · literature · whodunit · investigation · plot twist · character development · dialogue