A Rabbit Story by James McIntyre
The narrative unfolds at a social gathering where a member is prompted to share a whimsical tale about rabbits. The story is recounted in verse, detailing the antics of a group of rabbits that frolic around the narrator's home. These rabbits, described in various colors, bring joy to the onlookers. However, their numbers dwindle as they fall prey to local cats. Amidst the chaos, one large black rabbit manages to evade capture by burrowing underground, showcasing a clever survival instinct. This rabbit becomes a focal point of the tale, representing resilience in the face of danger. The plot takes a darker turn when the owner, seeking to benefit from the rabbit's size, decides to shoot it. The sound of the gunshot attracts the attention of the police, who rush to the scene in anger. However, their fury dissipates when they discover the aftermath of the incident, leading to a resolution that blends humor with a touch of irony. The story encapsulates themes of survival, the consequences of human actions, and the unpredictable nature of life, all conveyed through a lighthearted yet poignant lens.
By James McIntyre · First published 1970 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Fable · 225 words
First lines
At a social society gathering, a quarter of a century ago, a member from a distance was called on by the gentlemen present to tell his Rabbit story. We got up in a few minutes afterward and gave it in verse as follows: --
Our friend, Mr. Romley, / He told the tale homley, / And yet full of fun, / How the Rabbits did run, / In numbers a score, / All around his door.
They were red, black and white, / Their play folks did delight;
But they got small by degrees, / For the cats did them seise --
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is presented in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The narrative contains playful elements and a light-hearted tone, aiming to entertain the audience.
- Fable — The story features animals and conveys a moral lesson, typical of fables.
- Children's Literature — The whimsical nature and simple themes make it suitable for a younger audience.
Tags
Fable · Fantasy · Children's Literature · Animal Story · Rabbit Character · Humorous · Satirical · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Friendship
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A Rabbit Story is listed on Textopian as a short story by James McIntyre, dated 1970 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 McIntyre
- Date: 1970 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Fable, Children's Literature, Narrative
- Length: 225 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Rabbit Story by James McIntyre
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