The Old-Clothes Monger in Journalism
This short story revolves around a struggling journalist who takes on the pseudonym of an old-clothes monger to gain access to information and sources in a small town. The protagonist's true identity remains hidden, allowing them to gather material for their articles without being hindered by social expectations or personal biases.
By Helen Hunt Jackson · First published 1867 · Genre: Satire, Essay, Social Commentary · 792 words
First lines
The old-clothes business has never been considered respectable. It is supposed to begin and to end with cheating; it deals with very dirty things. It would be hard to mention a calling of lower repute. From the men who come to your door with trays of abominable china vases on their heads, and are ready to take any sort of rags in payment for them, down -- or up? -- to the bigger wretches who advertise that "ladies and gentlemen can obtain the highest price for their cast-off clothing by calling at No. so and so, on such a street," they are all alike odious and despicable.
What this Textopian page supports
The Old-Clothes Monger in Journalism is listed on Textopian as a short story by Helen Hunt Jackson, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Helen Hunt Jackson
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Essay, Social Commentary, Criticism, Humor
- Length: 792 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Satire — The work uses humor and irony to criticize the journalism industry, comparing it to the disreputable old-clothes trade.
- Essay — The piece is a short, non-fictional work that presents the author's argument and perspective on the state of journalism.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and practices, particularly focusing on the ethics and behavior of journalists.
- Criticism — The work offers a critical analysis of the journalism profession, highlighting its perceived flaws and moral shortcomings.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Social Commentary · Journalism Satire · Literary Humor · Satirical Novel · Critique of Society · Commentary on Class · Observations on Journalism · Social Realism · Fictionalized Memoir · Autobiographical Elements
More by Helen Hunt Jackson
- Mammy Tittleback and Her Family: A True Story of Seventeen Cats (1886)
- Ramona (1884)
- Hetty's Strange History (1867)
- A Calendar of Sonnets (1882)
- Mercy Philbrick's Choice (1889)
- Between Whiles (1887)
- Draxy Miller's Dowry (1881)
- The Elder's Wife. Sequel to "Draxy Miller's Dowry. " (1882)
- All works by Helen Hunt Jackson