The Instructiphone by Carolyn Wells
A thirteen-year-old boy, disinterested in traditional study, invents a device called the Instructiphone, designed to effortlessly transmit knowledge directly into his mind. The device consists of a funnel-shaped receiver placed in his ear, a hopper for inputting material, and a crank to activate the process. Cyrus believes this invention will revolutionize learning, allowing him to absorb information without effort. However, when he tests the device, he discovers a critical flaw: the knowledge enters one ear and exits the other, rendering it useless. Despite his attempts to correct the issue, he realizes that the problem lies not in the machine but in his own inability to engage with the material. The narrative highlights themes of innovation, the challenges of learning, and the humorous folly of seeking shortcuts in education. Ultimately, it suggests that true understanding requires effort and engagement, rather than reliance on contraptions.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1920 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Humor · 529 words
First lines
There was a youthful genius once, a boy of thirteen years, Named Cyrus Franklin Edison Lavoisier De Squeers. To study he was not inclined, for fun he had a bent; But there was just one article he wanted to invent.
"It's a sort of a contraption which will work itself," he said, "And, without studying, will put my lessons in my head. " He thought and puzzled o'er his plan, he worked with might and main To utilize the wondrous schemes within his fertile brain:
What this Textopian page supports
The Instructiphone 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: Science Fiction, Adventure, Humor
- Length: 529 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Instructiphone by Carolyn Wells
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Instructiphone?
- How does this short story by Carolyn Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The book revolves around the concept of an advanced device called 'Instructiphone', an aspect that is characteristic of science fiction.
- Adventure — The plot follows a journey undertaken by the main characters, reflecting adventure themes.
- Humor — Carolyn Wells' known for using wit and humor in her writings, and the same can be seen in this book.
Tags
mystery · detective · crime · suspense · thriller · fiction · literature · whodunit · plot twist · investigation · clues · murder