Doctor Know-All
The story revolves around a doctor who is tricked into marrying a woman he believes to be his ward's mother. The woman turns out to be a witch and casts a spell on the doctor, forcing him to marry her. He eventually discovers the truth and seeks help from a wise old man.
By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1819 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Comedy, Folklore · 878 words
First lines
Once upon a time a poor Peasant, named Crabb, was taking a load of wood drawn by two oxen to the town for sale. He sold it to a Doctor for four thalers. When the money was being paid to him, it so happened that the Doctor was sitting at dinner. When the Peasant saw how daintily the Doctor was eating and drinking, he felt a great desire to become a Doctor too. He remained standing and looking on for a time, and then asked if he could not be a Doctor.
'Oh yes! ' said the Doctor; 'that is easily managed.'
What this Textopian page supports
Doctor Know-All is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, dated 1819 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
- Date: 1819 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Comedy, Folklore, Satire, Adventure
- Length: 878 words
- Structure: 1 section, 27 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Doctor Know-All by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
- 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 Doctor Know-All?
- How does this short story by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Doctor Knowall by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
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- Donkey Cabbages by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- Hans Married by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- Clever Elsie by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- Little Table Set Thyself Gold Ass And Cudgel Out Of The Sack by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
Genres
- Fairy Tale — The story features traditional fairy tale elements such as a peasant protagonist, magical or improbable events, and a moral lesson.
- Comedy — The narrative includes humorous misunderstandings and situations, particularly involving the protagonist's accidental success.
- Folklore — The tale is rooted in cultural folklore, reflecting common themes and motifs found in traditional stories passed down through generations.
- Satire — The story satirizes social structures and professions, particularly the role of doctors and the gullibility of the upper class.
Tags
Fairy Tale · German Folklore · Satire · Social Commentary · Literary Satire · Comedy · Fantasy · Adventure · Humor · Critique of Knowledge · Pretentiousness · Intellectualism