The Cooper and the Wolves
A young boy's family is attacked by wolves while traveling through a forest. The boy manages to escape and finds shelter with a group of travelers who are being pursued by the same pack of wolves. As they journey together, the boy learns about survival and the harsh realities of life in the wilderness.
By Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen · First published 1891 · Genre: Adventure, Folktale, Historical Fiction · 3,899 words
First lines
Tollef Kolstad was a cooper, and a very skilful cooper he was said to be. He had a little son named Thor, who was as fond of his father as his father was of him. Whatever Tollef did or said, Thor was sure to imitate; if Tollef was angry and flung a piece of wood at the dog who used to come into the shop and bother him, Thor, thinking it was a manly thing to do, flung another piece at poor Hector, who ran out whimpering through the door.
What this Textopian page supports
The Cooper and the Wolves is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen, dated 1891 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Folktale, Historical Fiction, Family, Drama
- Length: 3,899 words
- Structure: 1 section, 45 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Cooper and the Wolves by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen
- 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 The Cooper and the Wolves?
- How does this short story by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Adventure — The narrative centers around a perilous journey and a life-threatening encounter with wolves, emphasizing action and survival.
- Folktale — The story incorporates elements of traditional storytelling, with a moral lesson and a focus on human courage and ingenuity.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and cultural details reflect a specific historical period in Norway, providing context and authenticity.
- Family — The relationship between father and son is central to the plot, highlighting themes of familial bonds and protection.
Tags
Fable · Animal Fiction · Children's Literature · Moral Tale · Satire · Social Commentary · Fantasy · Adventure · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Friendship · Loyalty