Iturim, and His Fortunes
"Iturim, and His Fortunes" by Frank R. Stockton follows the story of Iturim, a young Antis Indian from the mountainous regions of Peru. Iturim initially enjoys success by trading apes and birds in coastal cities, allowing him to build a fine house and marry Miniqui. His prosperity is symbolized by his well-furnished home and personal adornments, including European-style clothing and a silver nose plate. However, his fortunes take a turn when he participates in a canoe race against a rival tribe. Despite winning the race, his victory is marred by the treachery of Altisquo, a competitor who sabotages Iturim's canoe. Although Iturim is awarded the prize, his home is later ransacked by Altisquo and his accomplices, leaving him destitute. The Antis tribe's cultural norms prevent any retribution against Altisquo, as theft is not severely punished. Iturim and Miniqui find temporary refuge with her family, and Iturim begins rebuilding his wealth by capturing birds and monkeys to sell. His fortunes improve when he transports English travelers' baggage downriver, earning enough to replace his lost possessions. Ultimately, Iturim rebuilds his home and regains his status, realizing that having all he needs constitutes true fortune. The story highlights themes of resilience, cultural differences, and the fleeting nature of wealth.
By Frank R. Stockton · Genre: Adventure, Humorous Fiction, Tall Tale · 3,291 words
First lines
The Antis Indians live in the mountainous districts of Peru. They have a proverb: "From happiness to misfortune is only a flea-leap."
Iturim proved the truth of this very early in life. He was a young Antis who had been so successful in his various journeys to the cities on the coast, where he sold apes and birds, that he was able to build and furnish a fine house; to adorn his person bravely; and to take a wife.
What this Textopian page supports
Iturim, and His Fortunes is listed on Textopian as a short story by Frank R. Stockton, dated Date unknown.
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: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Humorous Fiction, Tall Tale, Historical Fiction
- Length: 3,291 words
- Structure: 1 section, 39 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Iturim, and His Fortunes by Frank R. Stockton
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Adventure — The narrative centers on dangerous river journeys, competitive canoe races, and survival against natural perils.
- Humorous Fiction — The story employs satire and irony in its treatment of fortune, misfortune, and human folly.
- Tall Tale — Exaggerated events and improbable outcomes align with the tradition of hyperbolic, folkloric storytelling.
- Historical Fiction — The depiction of indigenous life and customs set against a historical backdrop contributes to its historical context.
Tags
satirical · humorous · picaresque · adventure · allegorical · fantastical · whimsical · ironic · social commentary · fiction · narrative · imaginative