Dodo by E.F. Benson (1912)

Name: Dodo
Author: E.F. Benson

The Dodo is a novella written by E.F. Benson, first published in 1921. The story follows the life of a man named Mr. Smith, who becomes obsessed with a dodo bird he encounters at a zoo. Mr. Smith becomes increasingly fixated on the bird, and his obsession begins to interfere with his relationships and daily life. The novella explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and the dangers of becoming too focused on one thing to the exclusion of all else.

By E.F. Benson · First published 1912 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Romance · 21 chapters · 102,152 words

First lines

And far out, drifting helplessly on that grey, angry sea, I saw a small boat at the mercy of the winds and waves. And my guide said to me, 'Some call the sea "Falsehood," and that boat "Truth," and others call the sea "Truth," and the boat "Falsehood; " and, for my part, I think that one is right as the other. ' -- The Professor of Ignorance.

What this Textopian page supports

Dodo is listed on Textopian as a novel by E.F. Benson, dated 1912 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: E.F. Benson
Date: 1912 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Comedy, Romance, Social Commentary
Length: 102,152 words
Structure: 21 chapters, 1,936 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Satire — Benson uses sharp wit, ironic and exaggerated scenarios to humorously critique British high society norms.
Comedy — Contains light-hearted and funny moments throughout the plot.
Romance — Involves the romantic relationships between characters.
Social Commentary — Benson analyzes and critiques societal behaviors and expectations, particularly those of the aristocracy.