The Swineherd by James Baldwin
This story revolves around a young boy who runs away from home and encounters a swineherd who takes him in. The swineherd's kindness and acceptance of the boy lead to a deeper exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, and the complexities of human relationships.
By James Baldwin · First published 1948 · Genre: Mythology, Adventure, Historical Fiction · 2,469 words
First lines
When Odysseus stepped ashore upon the sandy beach of Ithaca, the good people of the town, both young and old, had gathered there to welcome him; and they sang a song of greeting like that with which they were wont to meet their returning heroes. He staid only a moment to speak with them. With winged feet he hastened to the hall where his queenly mother waited for his coming. She threw her arms about him, and in the fulness of her joy wept aloud; and she kissed his head and his eyes and both his hands, and welcomed him as one saved from death.
What this Textopian page supports
The Swineherd is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Baldwin, dated 1948 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: James Baldwin
- Date: 1948 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mythology, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Drama, Fantasy
- Length: 2,469 words
- Structure: 1 section, 27 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Swineherd by James Baldwin
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Swineherd?
- How does this short story by James Baldwin fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mythology first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Lady Into Fox by David Garnett
- The Man Who Was Six by F. L. Wallace
- The Bow Of Eurytus by James Baldwin
- The Children Of Prometheus by James Baldwin
- The Bottle Neck by Hans Christian Andersen
- Beginning And End by Paul Heyse
Genres
- Mythology — The narrative is deeply rooted in Greek mythology, featuring characters like Odysseus and Pallas Athene, and references to mythological events and places.
- Adventure — The story involves journeys, encounters with various characters, and tales of past adventures, such as the hunt and the sea voyage.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and characters are based on historical and legendary figures from ancient Greece, providing a fictionalized account of their lives.
- Drama — The narrative includes emotional interactions, personal stories, and dramatic events, such as Eumaeus's tale of being sold into slavery.
Tags
Fairy Tale · Coming of Age · Psychological Insight · Symbolism · Identity Crisis · Self-Discovery · Moral Ambiguity · Social Commentary · Existentialism · Philosophical Themes · Literary Fiction · Short Story