The Intelligent Hen by Carolyn Wells
In a coastal barnyard, an old hen named Fiddle-de-dee lives a lively life, scratching in the sand. One day, a wise owl visits and criticizes her provincial ways, claiming that intelligent beings do not scratch like hens but write with quills. Offended, Fiddle-de-dee decides to prove her worth. She searches for inspiration and finds a jonquil, which she uses to craft her own writing instrument. This newfound ability transforms her perspective, allowing her to express herself creatively. The story explores themes of self-discovery, the value of intelligence, and the importance of pursuing one's passions. Fiddle-de-dee's journey from a simple barnyard life to becoming a writer illustrates the idea that anyone can achieve greatness, regardless of their origins. The narrative combines whimsy with a moral lesson, encouraging readers to embrace their unique talents and challenge societal expectations. Ultimately, Fiddle-de-dee's transformation serves as a reminder that intelligence and creativity can emerge from the most unexpected places.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1905 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 294 words
First lines
'Twas long ago, -- a year or so, -- In a barnyard by the sea, That an old hen lived whom you may know By the name of Fiddle-de-dee. She scratched around in the sand all day, For a lively old hen was she.
And then do you know, it happened this way In that barnyard by the sea; A great wise owl came down one day, And hooted at Fiddle-de-dee, Just hooted at Fiddle-de-dee. And he cried, "Hi! Hi! old hen, I say! You're provincial, it seems to me!"
"Why, what do you mean? " cried the old red hen, As mad as hops was she. "Oh, I've been 'round among great men, In the world where the great men be. And none of them scratch with their claws like you, They write with a quill like me."
What this Textopian page supports
The Intelligent Hen is listed on Textopian as a short story by Carolyn Wells, dated 1905 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: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure, Animal Stories
- Length: 294 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Intelligent Hen 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 Intelligent Hen?
- 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?
Similar titles
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- Bill The Bloodhound by P. G. Wodehouse
- An April Joke by Carolyn Wells
- A Bicycle Built For Two by Carolyn Wells
- Death At The Excelsior by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Lazy Detective by George Dilnot
Genres
- Children's Literature — The book is written in a simple, engaging language suitable for children. The anthropomorphic feature of the hen appeals to the children's imagination and curiosity.
- Fantasy — The book presents an intelligent hen, a characteristic normally not attributed to real-world hens, hence it falls into the fantasy genre.
- Adventure — The protagonist, the Intelligent Hen, often finds herself in adventurous situations and has to use her intelligence to navigate through them.
- Animal Stories — The main characters are animals, particularly intelligent hen, hence placing it in the genre of animal stories.
Tags
mystery · humor · detective · fiction · animal protagonist · whodunit · lighthearted · adventure · quirky · suspense · comedy · novel