The Fisherman's Feast
The story revolves around a fisherman who invites various people to a feast, including a priest, a lawyer, and a doctor. As they sit down to eat, the fisherman reveals that he has invited them because they wronged him in some way in the past. He then exacts his revenge by serving them a meal made from the flesh of their own sons, whom they had wronged. The story explores themes of revenge, morality, and the consequences of one's actions.
By Eugene Field · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Food Writing · 494 words
First lines
Of all the gracious gifts of Spring, Is there another can safely surpass This delicate, voluptuous thing -- This dapple-green, plump-shouldered bass? Upon a damask napkin laid, What exhalations superfine Our gustatory nerves pervade, Provoking quenchless thirsts for wine.
The ancients loved this noble fish, And, coming from the kitchen fire All piping hot upon a dish, What raptures did he not inspire! "Fish should swim twice," they used to say -- Once in their native vapid brine, And then a better way -- You understand? Fetch on the wine!
What this Textopian page supports
The Fisherman's Feast is listed on Textopian as a short story by Eugene Field, 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: Eugene Field
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Food Writing, Humor, Romanticism
- Length: 494 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Fisherman's Feast by Eugene Field
- 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 Fisherman's Feast?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The poem celebrates the beauty of nature, particularly the spring season and the act of fishing.
- Food Writing — The poem focuses on the culinary aspects of fish, particularly the enjoyment of eating bass and wine.
- Humor — The playful tone and whimsical reflections on fishing and dining add a humorous element.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Rural Life · Fishing · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Allegory · Christianity · Biblical Allusions · Folklore