A Thing that Glistened by Frank R. Stockton
The story revolves around a young boy who discovers a mysterious and beautiful creature that lives in the forest near his home. The creature's appearance changes depending on its mood, and it can only be seen by those who are pure of heart. As the boy spends more time with the creature, he learns about its unique abilities and the importance of kindness and compassion. However, their friendship is threatened when a group of people from the city arrive in search of the creature, intending to capture or harm it. The story explores themes of innocence, empathy, and the consequences of human actions on the natural world.
By Frank R. Stockton · First published 1867 · Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Drama · 3,163 words
First lines
In the fall of 1888 the steamship _Sunda_, from Southampton, was running along the southern coast of Long Island, not many hours from port, when she was passed by one of the great British liners, outward bound. The tide was high, and the course of both vessels was nearer the coast than is usual -- that of the _Sunda_ being inside of the other.
As the two steamers passed each other there was a great waving of hats and handkerchiefs. Suddenly there was a scream from the _Sunda_. It came from Signora Rochita, the prima donna of an opera troupe, which was coming to America in that ship.
What this Textopian page supports
A Thing that Glistened is listed on Textopian as a short story by Frank R. Stockton, dated 1867 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: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Drama, Humor, Romance
- Length: 3,163 words
- Structure: 1 section, 50 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Thing that Glistened by Frank R. Stockton
- 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
Similar titles
- The Clock That Struck Thirteen by Mary Louisa Molesworth
- The Story Of Tommy Dodd And The Rooster by Guy Boothby
- Supposing by Alan Sullivan
- Winged Blackmail by Jack London
- The Clever Deceiver by Basil Hall Chamberlain
- Angel by B. M. Croker
Genres
- Adventure — The narrative follows a diver's thrilling underwater exploration and encounter with a shark, creating a sense of excitement and danger.
- Mystery — The story involves the search for a lost bracelet and the unexpected discovery of a message in a bottle that reveals a murder confession.
- Drama — The plot includes emotional elements such as the protagonist's brother being wrongfully accused of murder and the tension surrounding his potential execution.
- Humor — The protagonist's interactions and the twist involving the prima donna's bracelet provide light-hearted and amusing moments.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Mystery · Supernatural · Fiction · Short Story · Classic · Literary Fiction · Magical Realism · Whimsy · Imagination · Enchantment