The Hard-boiled Egg
The Hard-Boiled Egg is a humorous novel by Ellis Parker Butler, first published in 1921. It follows the adventures of a hard-boiled egg named Eggbert, who is determined to make something of himself in the world. Eggbert is born in a small town in the Midwest, and he quickly discovers that he is different from the other eggs in the henhouse. He is determined to make something of himself, and he sets out on a journey to find his place in the world. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including a wise old rooster, a mischievous fox, and a kindly farmer. Eggbert's journey takes him to the big city, where he discovers a world of opportunity. He quickly learns the ropes of the city, and he soon finds himself in the middle of a wild adventure. He must use his wits and courage to survive the dangers of the city, and he must also find a way to make his dreams come true. The Hard-Boiled Egg is a humorous and heartwarming story about the power of determination and the importance of friendship. It is a timeless classic that will delight readers of all ages.
By Ellis Parker Butler · First published 1937 · Genre: Humor, Fiction, Satire · 4,604 words
First lines
Walking close along the wall, to avoid the creaking floor boards, Philo Gubb, paper-hanger and student of the Rising Sun Detective Agency's Correspondence School of Detecting, tiptoed to the door of the bedroom he shared with the mysterious Mr Critz. In appearance Mr Gubb was tall and gaunt, reminding one of a modern Don Quixote or a human flamingo; by nature Mr Gubb was the gentlest and most simple-minded of men. Now, bending his long, angular body almost double, he placed his eye to a crack in the door panel and stared into the room. Within, just out of the limited area of Mr Gubb's vision, Roscoe Critz paused in his work and listened carefully. He heard the sharp whistle of Mr Gubb's breath as it cut against the sharp edge of the crack in the panel, and he knew he was being spied upon. He placed his chubby hands on his knees and smiled at the door, while a red flush of triumph spread over his face.
What this Textopian page supports
The Hard-boiled Egg is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ellis Parker Butler, dated 1937 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ellis Parker Butler
- Date: 1937 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Fiction, Satire, Short Story
- Length: 4,604 words
- Structure: 1 section, 146 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Hard-boiled Egg by Ellis Parker Butler
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Hard-boiled Egg?
- How does this short story by Ellis Parker Butler fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Ukridge Rounds A Nasty Corner by P. G. Wodehouse
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Genres
- Humor — The Hard-boiled Egg is a humorous story about a man's attempt to make a hard-boiled egg for his wife.
- Fiction — The Hard-boiled Egg is a work of fiction written by Ellis Parker Butler.
- Satire — The Hard-boiled Egg is a satirical story that pokes fun at the mundane tasks of everyday life.
- Short Story — The Hard-boiled Egg is a short story written by Ellis Parker Butler.
Tags
humor · satire · short stories · American literature · Ellis Parker Butler · absurdity · food · quirky characters · social commentary · fiction · narrative style · early 20th century