The Emu of Whroo by Edward Dyson
A tale unfolds in a small township where a peculiar emu, owned by a man named M'Cue, becomes the center of chaos and mischief. The emu, named Arabella, is described as a tall, tough bird with an unusual appearance and a mischievous temperament. Known for her violent kicks, she terrorizes the local children, leaving them injured and fearful. Despite her antics, M'Cue remains protective of her, dismissing complaints from neighbors and even defending her against those who would harm her. As Arabella continues her reign of terror, the townsfolk grow increasingly frustrated, launching various projectiles at her, which she effortlessly consumes. M'Cue's loyalty to his bird leads to humorous yet chaotic confrontations, as he often finds himself on the receiving end of her aggressive behavior. The relationship between M'Cue and Arabella is complex; while he cares for her, he also suffers from her unpredictable nature. Eventually, Arabella's demeanor shifts as she becomes broody, longing to lay eggs. Her obsession leads her to target bald-headed men in the neighborhood, believing their heads to be suitable for her nesting desires. This obsession results in further chaos, as she relentlessly pursues these men, causing them distress and M'Cue to revel in the ensuing madness. The story takes a dark turn when M'Cue, after a night of heavy drinking, falls asleep in his yard. Arabella, mistaking his bald head for a nesting site, sits on him for an extended period. When neighbors finally check on M'Cue, they discover him dead, with Arabella still perched on his head, attempting to hatch what she believes are eggs. The incident leads to a trial where Arabella is deemed responsible for M'Cue's death, resulting in her execution. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, absurdity, and the consequences of unchecked behavior, all wrapped in a humorous yet tragic tale of a man and his emu. The story serves as a commentary on human-animal relationships and the chaos that can ensue from a lack of understanding and control.
By Edward Dyson · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 1,470 words
First lines
We've a tale to tell you of a spavined emit, A bird with a smile like a crack in a hat, Who was owned by M'Cue, of the township of Whroo, The county of Rodney-his front name was Pat. The bird was a dandy, although a bit bandy, Her knees, too, were queer and her neck out of gauge- She'd eat what was handy, from crowbars to candy, Was tall, too, and tough for a chick of her age. But her taste and her height, and her figure and smile, Were the smallest potatoes compared with her guile.
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The Emu of Whroo is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edward Dyson, dated 1905 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edward Dyson
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Satire, Fable, Narrative
- Length: 1,470 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The narrative features comedic elements, absurd situations, and exaggerated characters, creating a humorous tone.
- Satire — The poem critiques societal norms and human behavior through the absurdity of the emu's actions and the reactions of the townspeople.
- Fable — The story conveys moral lessons through anthropomorphized characters, particularly the emu and its interactions with humans.
Tags
Australian literature · humor · satire · nature · wildlife · rural life · adventure · friendship · community · folklore · character study · social commentary