McGRATH'S BAD NIGHT
The story revolves around McGrath, a farmer who has been struggling to make ends meet due to poor harvests and debts. One night, he decides to take drastic measures to solve his problems, which ultimately lead to tragic consequences.
By Edward William Thomson · First published 1899 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Drama · 4,408 words
First lines
"Come then, childer," said Mrs. McGrath, and took the big iron pot off. They crowded around her, nine of them, the eldest not more than thirteen, the youngest just big enough to hold out his yellow crockery bowl.
"The youngest first," remarked Mrs. McGrath, and ladled out a portion of the boiled corn-meal to each of the deplorable boys and girls. Before they reached the stools from which they had sprung up, or squatted again on the rough floor, they all burned their mouths in tasting the mush too eagerly. Then there they sat, blowing into their bowls, glaring into them, lifting their loaded iron spoons occasionally to taste cautiously, till the mush had somewhat cooled.
What this Textopian page supports
McGRATH'S BAD NIGHT is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edward William Thomson, dated 1899 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 William Thomson
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Drama, Mystery, Action
- Length: 4,408 words
- Structure: 1 section, 84 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for McGRATH'S BAD NIGHT by Edward William Thomson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering McGRATH'S BAD NIGHT?
- How does this short story by Edward William Thomson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a series of thrilling and risky events.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical period and incorporates real historical events.
- Drama — The narrative focuses on intense character development and emotional themes.
- Mystery — The plot includes elements of suspense and investigation.
Tags
Canadian Literature · Short Story · Fiction · Historical Fiction · 19th Century · Adventure · Drama · Tragedy · Guilt · Redemption · Morality · Psychological Insight