The Excursion Boat by Carolyn Wells
A group of passengers embarks on a lively excursion boat, where the atmosphere is filled with the sounds of children playing and the chaos of a crowded deck. The scene captures the joy and energy of families enjoying a day out, with the wind tousling hair and the excitement palpable. However, the experience is marred by the cacophony of a steam whistle, a poorly tuned band, and the inevitable cries of babies, creating a stark contrast between the idyllic setting and the reality of the noise. The narrative suggests that while children revel in the experience, adults may find the excursion boat less appealing, preferring the tranquility of a private yacht. The poem reflects on the dichotomy of enjoyment versus discomfort in public outings, highlighting the different perspectives of children and adults. Ultimately, it conveys a sense of nostalgia for carefree childhood moments while acknowledging the challenges of adult sensibilities in such chaotic environments. The excursion boat serves as a microcosm of society, illustrating the varied experiences of its diverse passengers.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1920 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Adventure · 152 words
First lines
Into the boat the breeze blows fair, It blows across the deck; It blows the little children's hair, -- They get it in the neck.
And in this picture you may see The happy girls and boys, So true to life, -- but thankful be You cannot hear the noise.
The great steam-whistle's fearful squeaks. The band, ill-tuned and loud; The babies with their screams and shrieks, The bustle of the crowd.
Grown People, you'd prefer, afloat, A private yacht, I'm sure; Then shun the gay excursion boat Unless you're very poor.
What this Textopian page supports
The Excursion Boat 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: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Adventure, Romance
- Length: 152 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Excursion Boat 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 The Excursion Boat?
- How does this short story by Carolyn Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Hard Pressed by Fred M. White
- A Serious Question by Carolyn Wells
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Genres
- Mystery — Carolyn Wells is known for her mystery novels, and this particular title suggests a story that involves an unexpected event or happening during an excursion.
- Detective Fiction — Many of the author's works fall under this genre, often involving a detective solving a case with the plot revolving around a murder mystery.
- Adventure — The title suggests a journey or trip, which is a common theme in adventure novels.
- Romance — As a common sub-plot in Carolyn Wells' work, a romantic thread may be woven into the narrative.
Tags
mystery · adventure · suspense · detective · crime · thriller · fiction · literature · narrative · plot twist · character development · setting