The Grandiloquent Goat
A grandiloquent goat indulges in a lavish meal, showcasing his extravagant tastes and peculiar dining preferences. He humorously consumes not only the food but also the utensils, expressing his fondness for them. As he reviews the menu, he requests specific items, emphasizing his desire for corn, tomatoes, and peas served directly from the can. The goat's ostentatious behavior and whimsical requests highlight his larger-than-life personality and penchant for the absurd. The narrative unfolds with a playful tone, illustrating the goat's eccentricities and the comedic elements of his dining experience. The story captures the essence of indulgence and the absurdity of the goat's character, inviting readers to revel in the humor of the situation. Through vivid imagery and clever wordplay, the tale explores themes of excess and the joy of whimsicality, ultimately presenting a lighthearted commentary on the nature of desire and consumption. The goat's antics serve as a vehicle for entertainment, engaging readers with a blend of satire and charm, while also inviting reflection on the nature of extravagance in everyday life.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1920 · Genre: Children's Literature, Animal Fiction, Humor · 98 words
First lines
A very grandiloquent Goat Sat down to a gay table d'hote; He ate all the corks, The knives and the forks, Remarking: "On these things I dote."
Then, before his repast he began, While pausing the menu to scan, He said: "Corn, if you please, And tomatoes and pease, I'd like to have served in the can. "
What this Textopian page supports
The Grandiloquent Goat 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: Children's Literature, Animal Fiction, Humor, Adventure
- Length: 98 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Grandiloquent Goat 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 Grandiloquent Goat?
- How does this short story by Carolyn Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The author, Carolyn Wells, is well known for her works in children's literature. The title suggests the book may contain imaginative and fanciful elements often found in this genre.
- Animal Fiction — The title, 'The Grandiloquent Goat', suggests the presence of an anthropomorphized goat as a central character.
- Humor — The word 'Grandiloquent' in the title suggests that the book may take a humorous or satirical tone.
- Adventure — Many children's books feature adventures, and the descriptor 'Grandiloquent' might suggest the goat embarks on some kind of journey or quest.
Tags
children's literature · humor · animal characters · adventure · fantasy · whimsical · illustrated · storytelling · friendship · imagination · moral lessons · playful