The Boomerang by Frank R. Stockton
The Boomerang is a short story by Frank R. Stockton about a young man named John who falls in love with a woman named Mary. However, when he proposes to her, she rejects him and marries someone else. Years later, John meets Mary again and discovers that she has been unhappy in her marriage. He decides to take revenge on the man who stole his love by using a boomerang to kill him. The story ends with John being arrested for murder.
By Frank R. Stockton · First published 1892 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Educational · 1,072 words
First lines
Civilized folks are superior in so very many respects to their barbarous brethren that it is well, when we discover anything which a savage can do better than we can, to make a note of it, and give the subject some attention.
And it is certain that there are savages who can surpass us in one particular -- they can make and throw boomerangs.
What this Textopian page supports
The Boomerang is listed on Textopian as an essay by Frank R. Stockton, dated 1892 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Frank R. Stockton
- Date: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Educational, Humor, Cultural Commentary
- Length: 1,072 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Boomerang 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Boomerang?
- How does this essay by Frank R. Stockton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Mr Tolman by Frank R. Stockton
- The Captains Toll Gate by Frank R. Stockton
- The Wrong Horse by G. K. Chesterton
- Flanagan And His Short Filibustering Adventure by Stephen Crane
- The Threat by Saki
- The Orang Outang by Frank R. Stockton
Genres
- Adventure — The narrative explores the use of the boomerang, a weapon associated with exploration and survival.
- Historical Fiction — The story delves into the cultural and historical aspects of the boomerang and its use by Australian natives.
- Educational — The text provides detailed explanations and insights into the mechanics and history of the boomerang.
- Humor — The narrative includes light-hearted and whimsical elements, such as the idea of using a boomerang to knock down chestnuts.
Tags
humor · satire · short story · adventure · mystery · irony · social commentary · character study · plot twist · dialogue · American literature · 19th century