A Piece of Red Calico
A Piece of Red Calico is a short story written by Frank R. Stockton in 1873. The plot revolves around a man who finds a piece of red calico and decides to use it as a gift for his wife. However, when he tries to give the fabric to her, she refuses to accept it because she believes that it is cursed. The story explores themes such as superstition, love, and marriage.
By Frank R. Stockton · First published 1873 · Genre: Short Story, Humor, Domestic Fiction · 2,479 words
First lines
Before beginning the relation of the following incidents, I wish to state that I am a young married man, doing business in a large city, in the suburbs of which I live.
I was going into town the other morning, when my wife handed me a little piece of red calico, and asked me if I would have time, during the day, to buy her two yards and a half of calico like it. I assured her that it would be no trouble at all, and putting the piece of calico in my pocket, I took the train for the city.
What this Textopian page supports
A Piece of Red Calico is listed on Textopian as a short story by Frank R. Stockton, dated 1873 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Frank R. Stockton
- Date: 1873 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Story, Humor, Domestic Fiction, 19th Century Literature
- Length: 2,479 words
- Structure: 1 section, 88 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative focusing on a single incident.
- Humor — The story employs wit and amusing situations to entertain the reader.
- Domestic Fiction — The plot revolves around everyday life and household matters.
- 19th Century Literature — The writing style and themes are characteristic of the 19th century.
Tags
short story · American literature · 19th century · humor · social commentary · family dynamics · rural life · character study · irony · narrative style · dialogue · conflict