Tickled by a Straw
Tickled by a Straw is a short story written by Frank R. Stockton in the late 19th century. The plot revolves around a man who discovers that he has been tickled by a straw while sleeping, and his subsequent attempts to find out who or what caused it. The story explores themes of paranoia, suspicion, and the power of suggestion.
By Frank R. Stockton · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Humor · 166 words
First lines
From his dreams of tops and marbles, Where the soaring kites he saw, Is that little urchin wakened, Tickled by a wheaten straw.
How do you suppose he likes it, Young one with annoying paw? If I only were your mother, I'd tickle you with birchen straw.
Soon enough, from pleasant dreaming, You'll be wakened by the law, Which provides for every vision Some sort of provoking straw.
In dreams of play, or hope, or loving, When plans of happiness you draw, Underneath _your_ nose may wiggle Life's most aggravating straw
What this Textopian page supports
Tickled by a Straw 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: Poetry, Children's Literature, Humor, Philosophical
- Length: 166 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tickled by a Straw 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 Tickled by a Straw?
- How does this short story by Frank R. Stockton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Low Trick by Gelett Burgess
- Interruption by Gelett Burgess
- The Tyranny Of The Lares by Gelett Burgess
- Impossible by Gelett Burgess
- The Use Of Fools by Gelett Burgess
- George Adolphus by Gelett Burgess
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The themes of childhood dreams and playful imagery suggest it is aimed at a younger audience.
- Humor — The playful and light-hearted tone, along with the concept of being tickled by a straw, indicates a humorous intent.
- Philosophical — The text reflects on life's provocations and the inevitability of being disturbed from pleasant dreams, suggesting a deeper philosophical undertone.
Tags
humor · short stories · satire · whimsy · absurdity · narrative · fiction · American literature · 19th century · social commentary · quirky characters · lighthearted