A Low Trick by Gelett Burgess (1903)
A Low Trick is a humorous poem written by Gelett Burgess. It tells the story of a man who tries to trick his friend into believing that he has been robbed, only to find out that his friend was in on the joke all along. The poem is known for its clever wordplay and comedic timing.
By Gelett Burgess · First published 1903 · Genre: Children's Literature, Humor, Poetry · 77 words
First lines
The meanest trick I ever knew Was one I know you never do.
I saw a Goop once try to do it, And there was nothing funny to it.
He pulled a chair from under me As I was sitting down; but he Was sent to bed, and rightly, too.
It was a horrid thing to do!
What this Textopian page supports
A Low Trick is listed on Textopian as a short story by Gelett Burgess, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Gelett Burgess
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Humor, Poetry, Moral Tale
- Length: 77 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Low Trick by Gelett Burgess
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Low Trick?
- How does this short story by Gelett Burgess fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Interruption by Gelett Burgess
- Borrowing by Gelett Burgess
- Tickled By A Straw by Frank R. Stockton
- Mr Squem by Arthur Russell Taylor
- A Corner In Lines by P. G. Wodehouse
- Notes by P. G. Wodehouse
Genres
- Children's Literature — The simple language and moral lesson are characteristic of children's literature.
- Humor — The narrative involves a prank, which is a common element in humorous stories, despite the negative outcome.
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form, with rhyming lines.
- Moral Tale — The story conveys a clear moral lesson about the consequences of misbehavior.
Tags
humor · satire · short stories · American literature · 20th century · whimsical · absurdism · social commentary · parody · fiction · narrative · character-driven