To the Influenza

Name: To the Influenza
Author: James Matthew Barrie

The story revolves around a young boy who dies of influenza and is brought back to life by the fairies. He returns home but finds that his family has moved on with their lives without him. The boy struggles to adjust to his new reality, feeling like an outsider in his own home.

By James Matthew Barrie · First published 1893 · Genre: Satire, Humor, Fiction · 1,435 words

First lines

The time has come for you to leave this house. Seventeen days ago you foisted yourself upon me, and since then we have been together night and day. You were unwelcome and uninvited, and you made yourself intensely disagreeable. We wrestled, you and I, but you attacked me unawares in the back, and you threw me. Then, like the ungenerous foe that you are, you struck me while I was down. However, your designs have failed. I struggle to my feet and order you to withdraw. Nay, withdraw is too polite a word. Your cab is at the door; get out. But, stop, a word with you before you go.

What this Textopian page supports

To the Influenza is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Matthew Barrie, dated 1893 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 Matthew Barrie
Date: 1893 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Humor, Fiction, Psychological, Drama
Length: 1,435 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for To the Influenza by James Matthew Barrie
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by James Matthew Barrie fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Satire first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Satire — The narrative employs humor and irony to critique the experience of illness, personifying influenza as an unwelcome guest.
Humor — The writing style is light-hearted and amusing, using wit to describe the protagonist's battle with influenza.
Fiction — The story is a fictional account of a person's imaginative confrontation with an illness.
Psychological — The text explores the mental and emotional effects of illness, delving into the protagonist's thoughts and perceptions.