Dick and Will
Dick and Will is a novel by Elizabeth Madox Roberts, published in 1926. It tells the story of two young boys, Dick and Will, who live in a small Kentucky town in the early 1900s. The boys are best friends, and they spend their days exploring the countryside, fishing, and playing pranks on each other. When Will's father dies, the boys are forced to confront the harsh realities of life. Will is sent to live with his aunt in the city, while Dick is left behind to take care of his family. As the boys grow older, they drift apart, and their lives take different paths. The novel follows the boys as they struggle to find their place in the world. It is a story of friendship, family, and the power of love. It is a timeless tale of growing up and learning to accept life's changes.
By Elizabeth Madox Roberts · First published 1922 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Coming of Age, Realistic Fiction · 134 words
First lines
Our brother says that Will was born The very day that Dickie came; When one is four the other is, And all their birthdays are the same.
Their coats and waists are just alike; They have their hats together, too. They sleep together in one bed, And Will can put on Dickie's shoe.
But they are not the same at all; Two different boys they have to be, For Dick can play in Mother's room When Will is climbing in a tree.
Or maybe Will is on the porch To cry because he stubbed his toe, And Dick is laughing by the gate And watching ants go in a row.
What this Textopian page supports
Dick and Will is listed on Textopian as a short story by Elizabeth Madox Roberts, dated 1922 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Coming of Age, Realistic Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 134 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dick and Will by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- 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 Dick and Will?
- How does this short story by Elizabeth Madox Roberts fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Star by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- A Child Asleep by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- Autumn by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- Big Brother by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- My Heart by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- Numbers by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in the early 20th century and follows the lives of two brothers, Dick and Will, as they grow up in rural Kentucky.
- Coming of Age — The book follows the two brothers as they grow up and experience the joys and struggles of life.
- Realistic Fiction — The book is set in a realistic world and follows the lives of two brothers as they experience the joys and struggles of life.
- Literary Fiction — The book is written in a lyrical and poetic style, and explores themes of family, friendship, and growing up.
Tags
American · American poetry · Children's poetry · alike · ants · bed · birthdays · born · boys · brother · children's poetry, american · climbing