In Pawn by Ellis Parker Butler

Name: In Pawn
Author: Ellis Parker Butler

The story revolves around a chess pawn that becomes self-aware and develops its own ambitions, seeking to become more than just a mere pawn. It begins to manipulate the game's players, using its newfound consciousness to alter the course of the match. As the pawn gains confidence, it starts to question the nature of its existence and the rules that govern the game.

By Ellis Parker Butler · First published 1904 · Genre: Comedy, Satire, Short Story · 25 chapters · 64,106 words

First lines

Lem Redding had a dimple in his cheek that appeared when he smiled. For a boy with a faceful of freckles he was pretty. He had dear, bright gray eyes, and his smile, aided by the dimple, made most folks love him at sight. His hair was brown, as his dead mother's had been; in fact he was much like that mother in more ways than one -- far more like her than he was like Harvey Redding, his father. Lem was quick, agile, lively, and Harvey was plumb lazy.

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In Pawn is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ellis Parker Butler, dated 1904 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Ellis Parker Butler
Date: 1904 CE
Language: English
Genres: Comedy, Satire, Short Story, Literary Fiction
Length: 64,106 words
Structure: 25 chapters, 1,543 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Comedy — The plot and writing style are primarily humorous and light-hearted.
Satire — The themes often critique societal norms and human behavior through wit.
Short Story — The narrative structure and length align with the characteristics of short stories.
Literary Fiction — The writing style and character development are consistent with literary fiction.