Going after the Cows
Going after the Cows is a short story written by Frank R. Stockton in 1895. The plot revolves around two boys who go on an adventure to retrieve their neighbor's cows that have wandered off into the woods. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges but ultimately succeed in bringing back the cows safely.
By Frank R. Stockton · First published 1893 · Genre: Children's Literature, Pastoral, Coming-of-Age · 629 words
First lines
If there is anything which a little country-boy likes, and which a big country-boy dislikes, it is to go after the cows. There is no need of giving the reasons why the big boy does not like this duty. It is enough to say that it is a small boy's business, and the big boy knows it. The excitement of hunting up and driving home a lot of slow, meandering cattle is not sufficient for a mind capable of grappling with the highest grade of agricultural ideas, and the youth who has reached the mature age of fifteen or sixteen is very apt to think that his mind is one of that kind.
What this Textopian page supports
Going after the Cows is listed on Textopian as a short story by Frank R. Stockton, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Pastoral, Coming-of-Age, Adventure, Humor
- Length: 629 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Going after the Cows 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Going after the Cows?
- How does this short story by Frank R. Stockton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative focuses on the experiences and perspectives of a young boy, making it highly relatable and engaging for a child audience.
- Pastoral — The story is set in a rural environment and emphasizes the simplicity and beauty of country life.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist's journey and actions reflect themes of growth, responsibility, and the transition from childhood to adolescence.
- Adventure — The boy's task of herding cows is depicted as an exciting and adventurous activity, filled with small challenges and triumphs.
Tags
adventure · humor · short stories · American literature · satire · rural life · cows · narrative · character study · social commentary · quirky · folklore