A Poor Joke by Edward Dyson (1901)
The narrative unfolds through the voice of a miner reflecting on his past experiences with practical jokes and the consequences of his actions. He expresses disdain for such antics, claiming they bring no joy or benefit, and reveals his age and the toll that guilt has taken on him. The setting is a mining camp where the speaker and his companions engage in reckless behavior, including heavy drinking and fighting. They encounter two Chinese miners, whom they initially view as unwelcome intruders. However, recognizing their ignorance about mining, the speaker devises a plan to exploit them by leading them to a worthless claim. Despite the speaker's intentions to deceive, the Chinese miners unknowingly strike gold in the very shaft the speaker had abandoned. This unexpected turn of events leads to a sense of panic among the original miners, who realize their joke has backfired. They scramble to secure claims around the Chinese miners, only to find that the newcomers have struck it rich. The story highlights themes of greed, deception, and the unpredictability of fortune in mining. The speaker's initial confidence in his scheme is undermined by the reality of the situation, illustrating the folly of underestimating others and the risks inherent in practical jokes. Ultimately, the speaker concludes that while he may not partake in such jokes, he remains open to camaraderie and shared drinks with his companions.
By Edward Dyson · First published 1901 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Narrative Fiction · 1,365 words
First lines
'No, you can't count me in, boys; I'm off it -- I'm jack of them practical jokes; They give neither pleasure nor profit, And the fellers that plays them are mokes. I've got sense, though I once was a duffer, And I fooled up my share, I allow, But since conscience has made me to suffer -- She's pegging away at me now.
You notice I've aged rather early, And the wrinkles are deep on my face? That's sorrer -- I'm sixty-nine, barely. Jes' camp, and I'll tell you my case. It was here on The Springs, we had hit it, And we working the lead on this spot -- And we were, to my shame I admit it, A rather unprincipled lot.
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A Poor Joke is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edward Dyson, dated 1901 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edward Dyson
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Narrative Fiction, Social Commentary, Adventure
- Length: 1,365 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- Son Of A Fool by C. J. Dennis
- My Poor Relation by C. J. Dennis
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The narrative revolves around a practical joke and contains elements of satire and irony.
- Narrative Fiction — The poem tells a story with characters, a setting, and a plot, typical of narrative fiction.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques social attitudes towards different cultures and the ethics of exploitation.
Tags
humor · satire · social commentary · Australian literature · short story · irony · class struggle · poverty · working class · life lessons · character study · dialogue