Myrtilla's Third Degree
The story revolves around a young woman who undergoes a series of intense interrogations, known as the Third Degree, which pushes her to the limits of human endurance and forces her to confront the darkest aspects of her own psyche.
By Franklin P. Adams · First published 1928 · Genre: Parody, Poetry, Humor · 281 words
First lines
(With deep bows to Adelaide Anne Proctor's heirs, administrators and assigns.)
Before I trust my Fate to thee, Or place my hand in thine -- (This is an easy parody, Without a change of line.) Before I peril all for thee, question thy soul to-night for me.
Is there, within thy dimmest dreams, This dread ambition, Myrt? Hast thou the ghost of a desire To wear a hobble [Footnote: "Harem," or whatever is to come in the future, may be substituted here.] skirt? If so, at any pain or cost, oh, tell me before all is lost.
What this Textopian page supports
Myrtilla's Third Degree is listed on Textopian as a play by Franklin P. Adams, dated 1928 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: Franklin P. Adams
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Parody, Poetry, Humor, Satire, Romance
- Length: 281 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Myrtilla's Third Degree by Franklin P. Adams
- 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 Myrtilla's Third Degree?
- How does this play by Franklin P. Adams fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Parody first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Parody — The text is a parody, as it humorously imitates the style and form of another work, specifically referencing Adelaide Anne Proctor.
- Poetry — The structure and style of the text are poetic, with rhyming lines and a lyrical quality.
- Humor — The work employs humor through its playful language and satirical examination of social norms.
- Satire — The text critiques societal expectations and fashion trends, using wit and irony.
Tags
Satire · Humor · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Short Story Collection · Comedy of Manners · Wit · Sarcasm · Irony · Cultural Critique