Very Ancient Animals by Frank R. Stockton
"Very Ancient Animals" by Frank R. Stockton is a narrative that explores the concept of prehistoric creatures and their characteristics, juxtaposed with the more familiar animals of the author's time. The story begins with a description of a traditional opossum hunt, highlighting the excitement and camaraderie among the hunters and their dogs. Stockton uses this familiar scene to transition into a discussion about ancient animals, specifically focusing on the opossum's prehistoric ancestors. The narrative then delves into the world of antediluvian creatures, introducing readers to the Labyrinthodon, a massive toad-like creature with a fearsome appearance and interlocking teeth that inspired its name. Stockton paints a vivid picture of this creature, emphasizing its size and the terror it would have inspired. He continues by describing other prehistoric animals, such as the Ichthyosaurus, a formidable fish-lizard, and the Plesiosaurus, with its turtle-like body and serpent-like neck. The Pterodactyls, resembling giant bats with bird-like heads, are also mentioned as part of this menagerie of ancient beasts. Stockton contrasts these monstrous creatures with the more aesthetically pleasing animals that appeared later in history, such as the Anoplotherium, which he compares to a large otter. Throughout the narrative, Stockton reflects on the evolution of animals and the changes in the Earth's fauna over time, suggesting a progression from terrifying prehistoric creatures to more familiar and less intimidating species. The story serves as both an imaginative exploration of ancient life and a reflection on the natural history of the world.
By Frank R. Stockton · First published 1875 · Genre: Humor, Fable, Prehistoric Fiction · 1,115 words
First lines
If you boys never went on a "possum hunt" you have missed a good deal of fun. I really cannot tell which enjoys this hunt the most, men, or boys, or dogs. I think we can guess pretty well which enjoys it least-the opossum. If he gets safely off, though, as he does very often, I have no doubt he enjoys thinking over the chase, and laughs to himself at the way he outwitted dogs and men; for, of course, he would put the dogs first, as being of the greater importance in his eyes.
What this Textopian page supports
Very Ancient Animals is listed on Textopian as a short story by Frank R. Stockton, dated 1875 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: 1875 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Fable, Prehistoric Fiction, Satire, Adventure
- Length: 1,115 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Very Ancient Animals by Frank R. Stockton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Humor — The narrative employs playful, witty language and ironic situations to create an overall humorous tone.
- Fable — The story uses anthropomorphic animals and moral undertones, aligning with the traditional structure of a fable.
- Prehistoric Fiction — It centers on ancient, extinct animals and blends scientific curiosity with imaginative recreations of antediluvian life.
- Satire — The exaggerated depictions of both animals and human pursuits serve as a subtle critique of human behaviors and conventions.
Tags
fantasy · allegory · satire · humor · whimsical · fiction · vintage · classic · adventure · myth · animals · narrative