A Puzzle by Gelett Burgess (1895)
A Puzzle is a poem written by Gelett Burgess that explores the concept of identity and individuality. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with its own unique rhyme scheme and meter. The first stanza introduces the idea of a puzzle, while the second and third stanzas explore different aspects of identity and individuality. The final stanza brings everything together by suggesting that we are all pieces in a larger puzzle.
By Gelett Burgess · First published 1895 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Humor · 82 words
First lines
There are about a thousand things I'm not allowed to do; Most everything I'm fondest of I'm told is wrong -- are you?
They say, "Please don't do that, my child!"
They say, "You mustn't, dear!"
I hope sometime I'll learn what's right, For now it seems so queer!
What this Textopian page supports
A Puzzle is listed on Textopian as a short story by Gelett Burgess, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Humor
- Length: 82 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Puzzle by Gelett Burgess
- 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 A Puzzle?
- 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
- The Puzzler by Rudyard Kipling
- Bobbys Pocket by Carolyn Wells
- The Puzzler B by Rudyard Kipling
- The Radio Alarm by David Cory
- Curiosity by Gelett Burgess
- Picking And Stealing by Gelett Burgess
Genres
- Children's Literature — The text is written in a simple, playful style suitable for children, with themes of curiosity and learning about right and wrong.
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, with rhyming lines and a rhythmic quality typical of poetry.
- Humor — The playful tone and the child's perspective on adult rules suggest a humorous take on the challenges of growing up.
Tags
mystery · puzzle · enigma · problem-solving · logic · intrigue · suspense · narrative · creativity · imagination · exploration · adventure