A Close Shave by Irvin S. Cobb
The story revolves around a man who gets caught up in a series of misadventures after he accidentally cuts off his own ear while shaving. He then tries to pass the severed ear off as a trophy from a duel, but his ruse is eventually exposed. The narrative explores themes of deception and the consequences of one's actions.
By Irvin S. Cobb · First published 1923 · Genre: Thriller, Drama, Crime · 3,552 words
First lines
On a certain day the young governor -- Gov. G. W. Blankenship -- left the / Executive Mansion and motored up to the State Penitentiary.
As the car spun him north over good roads through the crisp morning / air, he took stock of himself and of his past life and of his future / prospects, nor had cause for disappointment or doubt regarding any one / of these three. This was a fine large world -- large yet cozy -- and he / gave it his unqualified indorsement while he rode along.
What this Textopian page supports
A Close Shave is listed on Textopian as a short story by Irvin S. Cobb, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Irvin S. Cobb
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Thriller, Drama, Crime, Psychological Fiction, Political Fiction
- Length: 3,552 words
- Structure: 1 section, 70 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Close Shave by Irvin S. Cobb
- 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
Similar titles
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Genres
- Thriller — The plot revolves around a tense and suspenseful situation involving a life-threatening encounter and a moral dilemma.
- Drama — The story explores deep emotional and ethical conflicts, particularly the governor's internal struggle with his conscience.
- Crime — The narrative includes elements of crime, such as the convict's past and his escape from prison.
- Psychological Fiction — The focus on the governor's psychological turmoil and decision-making process is central to the story.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · American Literature · Short Story Collection · Comedy of Manners · Gentleman's Fiction · Period Piece · Late 19th Century Setting · Early 20th Century Themes · Class Satire · Rural Life