Diddling by Edgar Allan Poe (1833)
The story revolves around a con artist who uses his charm and wit to swindle people out of their money. He targets wealthy individuals, often using his good looks and charisma to gain their trust. The narrator describes the con artist's methods in detail, highlighting his ability to manipulate others for financial gain. The story is written in a satirical tone, with the narrator seemingly admiring the con artist's skills while also condemning his actions. However, it becomes clear that the narrator is actually a participant in the con, and the story is a commentary on the societal norms of the time. Throughout the narrative, themes of class, morality, and the nature of truth are explored. The con artist's ability to deceive others raises questions about the reliability of appearances and the ease with which people can be swindled. Ultimately, the story suggests that those who are wealthy and powerful often use their status to exploit others, while those who are poor and vulnerable are left to suffer the consequences of their actions.
By Edgar Allan Poe · First published 1833 · Genre: Satire, Essay, Humor · 4,806 words
First lines
-- or the abstract idea conveyed by the verb to diddle -- is sufficiently well understood. Yet the fact, the deed, the thing, diddling, is somewhat difficult to define. We may get, however, at a tolerably distinct conception of the matter in hand, by defining -- not the thing, diddling, in itself -- but man, as an animal that diddles. Had Plato but hit upon this, he would have been spared the affront of the picked chicken.
What this Textopian page supports
Diddling is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, dated 1833 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edgar Allan Poe
- Date: 1833 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Essay, Humor, Philosophical, Fiction
- Length: 4,806 words
- Structure: 1 section, 63 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Diddling by Edgar Allan Poe
- 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 Diddling?
- How does this short story by Edgar Allan Poe fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- A Fashion Item by Mark Twain
- Pity The Poor Guest Of Honor by Oliver Herford
- Mr Blokes Item by Mark Twain
- The Flat Hunters Way by Franklin P. Adams
- A Little Talk About Mobs by O. Henry
Genres
- Satire — The work critiques human behavior and societal norms through humorous and exaggerated depictions of deceit.
- Essay — The format and style resemble an essay, presenting a philosophical exploration of the concept of 'diddling'.
- Humor — The narrative employs wit and comedic scenarios to illustrate the absurdity of human actions.
- Philosophical — It delves into the nature of man and morality, questioning ethical behavior and self-interest.
Tags
Satire · Humor · Social Commentary · American Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Short Story · Comedy of Manners · Moral Tale · Farcical · Absurdity · Critique of Society · Commentary on Human Nature