The Sensitive Plant
The Sensitive Plant is a short story written by Frank R. Stockton that tells the tale of a plant with human emotions and senses. The plant, which is sensitive to its surroundings, experiences joy when it receives attention from people but becomes sad and depressed when neglected. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the fragility of life.
By Frank R. Stockton · First published 1898 · Genre: Nature Writing, Science Writing, Children's Literature · 640 words
First lines
There was never a better name for a plant than this, for the delicate leaves which grow on this slender stalk are almost as sensitive to the touch as if they were alive. If you place your hand on a growing plant, you will soon see all the leaves on the stem that you have touched fold themselves up as tightly as if they had been packed up carefully to be sent away by mail or express. In some of the common kinds of this plant, which grow about in our fields, it takes some time for the leaves to fold after they have been touched or handled; but if you watch them long enough -- five or ten minutes -- you will see that they never fail to close. They are not so sensitive as their cultivated kindred, but they still have the family disposition.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sensitive Plant is listed on Textopian as a short story by Frank R. Stockton, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Writing, Science Writing, Children's Literature, Botany, Memoir
- Length: 640 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Sensitive Plant 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 Sensitive Plant?
- How does this short story by Frank R. Stockton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Nature Writing first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Tree Feelings by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- The Rainbow by Charles Lamb
- Bird Songs by George Macdonald
- The Dumb Soldier by Robert Louis Stevenson
- No End Of No Story by George Macdonald
- My Room by George Macdonald
Genres
- Nature Writing — The text focuses on the characteristics and behaviors of plants, particularly the sensitive plant, and provides detailed observations of their responses to stimuli.
- Science Writing — The work explains the scientific phenomena behind the plant's reactions to touch and light, making it informative and educational.
- Children's Literature — The narrative style and the author's personal anecdotes suggest it is aimed at a younger audience, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for children.
- Botany — The detailed descriptions of plant behavior and characteristics align with the study of plant biology and botany.
Tags
nature · plant · sensitivity · emotions · humanity · relationships · imagination · fantasy · symbolism · growth · loss · beauty