A Broken Feather by Dallas Lore Sharp
The narrative centers on a crow with a damaged wing, missing three crucial feathers, which affects its ability to fly. The author reflects on the crow's struggle for survival and the natural processes governing feather renewal. The crow's plight serves as a metaphor for the broader themes of nature's order and the cycles of life. The text explores the significance of molting in birds, emphasizing that it is not merely a physical necessity but also a complex adaptation to environmental changes, mating rituals, and seasonal variations. Different species exhibit unique molting patterns, with some birds undergoing multiple molts within a year, while others have a more gradual process. The author highlights the importance of feathers for protection, warmth, and flight, illustrating how nature meticulously regulates these changes to ensure the survival of birds. The narrative also touches on the aesthetic aspects of molting, particularly in relation to mating displays, where males often adorn themselves to attract females. Through detailed observations, the author conveys a sense of wonder at the intricate laws governing nature, suggesting that even seemingly trivial aspects of life, like feather loss and renewal, are part of a grand, ordered system. The crow's experience encapsulates the delicate balance of life and the relentless passage of time in the natural world.
By Dallas Lore Sharp · First published 1930 · Genre: Nature Literature, Adventure, Children's Literature · 2,561 words
First lines
ONE of the pair of crows that nest in my woodlot has been flying over all winter long with a gap in his right wing. Three at least of the large wing feathers are missing, and the result is a perceptible limp. The bird moves through the air with the list of a boat that has shifted or lost its ballast. Were he set upon in the air by a hawk, as might happen if he were smaller, the race would be short. He is plainly disabled by the loss of these three feathers, and has been for months. Just how and when the loss occurred I don't know. It is likely, however, that the feathers were shot away in June,-in corn-stealing time. Now for nearly a year he has been hobbling about on one whole and one half wing, trusting to luck to escape his enemies, until he can get three new feathers to take the places of these that are missing.
What this Textopian page supports
A Broken Feather is listed on Textopian as a short story by Dallas Lore Sharp, dated 1930 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Dallas Lore Sharp
- Date: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Literature, Adventure, Children's Literature
- Length: 2,561 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Broken Feather by Dallas Lore Sharp
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Nature Literature — This novel is centered around themes of nature, wildlife, and outdoor exploration.
- Adventure — The book involves adventurous journeys and explorations.
- Children's Literature — The book uses simple language and imaginative descriptions, making it suitable for younger readers.
Tags
nature · wildlife · birds · adventure · exploration · environment · conservation · friendship · growth · loss · resilience · beauty