A Tale of Wet Days by Irvin S. Cobb
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after being away for several years. He finds that the town has changed and so have its people. The narrative explores themes of identity, community, and the complexities of human relationships. Through a series of vignettes, the protagonist grapples with his own sense of belonging and purpose in a world that seems to be moving on without him.
By Irvin S. Cobb · First published 1910 · Genre: Humor, Satire, Southern Fiction · 3,982 words
First lines
In the days before the hydrant-headed specter of Prohibition reared its head in the Sunny South I had this tale from a true Kentucky gentleman. As he gave it to me, so, reader, do I give it to you:
"Yes, suh, to this good day Colonel Bud Crittenden ain't never fergot that time he made the mistake about Stony Buggs and the Bear Grass County man. It learnt him a lesson, though. It learnt him that the deceivingest pusson on earth, when it comes to seeping up licker, is a little feller with his eyes fur apart and one of these here excitable Adamses' apples.
What this Textopian page supports
A Tale of Wet Days is listed on Textopian as a short story by Irvin S. Cobb, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Satire, Southern Fiction, Historical Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 3,982 words
- Structure: 1 section, 39 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Tale of Wet Days 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Tale of Wet Days?
- How does this short story by Irvin S. Cobb fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Getting At The Facts by O. Henry
- Old Judge Priest by Irvin S. Cobb
- Muskrat City by Henry Abbott
- Local Color by Irvin S. Cobb
- Seats Of The Haughty by O. Henry
Genres
- Humor — The narrative is filled with comedic elements, including exaggerated characters and humorous situations, particularly in the depiction of political antics and drinking contests.
- Satire — The story satirizes political conventions and the absurdity of certain social customs, using wit to critique societal norms.
- Southern Fiction — The setting and characters are deeply rooted in Southern culture, with specific references to Kentucky and its traditions.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a historical context, referencing the era of Prohibition and political conventions of the past.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · American Literature · Short Story Collection · Regionalism · Southern Gothic · Absurdity · Dark Comedy · Morality Tale · Folklore · Mythology