Dime Story by James McIntyre (1978)
A parson, reliant on written sermons, faces a crisis when he forgets his notes before delivering a sermon. In his moment of despair, his wife steps in to help. She finds the forgotten sermon and enlists a young boy to deliver it in exchange for a dime. The boy rushes to the church, successfully delivers the sermon, and returns to claim his payment. When questioned by the parson's wife about the delivery, the boy explains that he fulfilled his part of the agreement by ensuring the parson delivered the sermon with emotion, thus fulfilling the needs of the congregation. The narrative highlights themes of resourcefulness, the value of community support, and the unexpected ways in which help can come. The boy's cleverness and the parson's reliance on others illustrate the interconnectedness of individuals within a community, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and trust. The story concludes with the boy receiving his reward, showcasing the idea that initiative and quick thinking can lead to success, even in challenging situations.
By James McIntyre · First published 1978 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Fable · 223 words
First lines
We tell a tale, 'tis all in rhyme, To show how boy earned a dime:
A parson who his flock did feed, On written sermons he did read.
One day at top of pulpit stair He was thrown into despair, For he had forgot his paper, And his thoughts were but as vapor.
But fortunate his own dear wife, Who often soothed his ills in life.
What this Textopian page supports
Dime Story is listed on Textopian as a short story by James McIntyre, dated 1978 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: 1978 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Fable, Children's Literature, Religious Fiction
- Length: 223 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dime Story by James McIntyre
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Dime Story?
- How does this short story by James McIntyre fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written entirely in rhyme, showcasing a poetic structure and style.
- Humor — The narrative contains humorous elements, particularly in the boy's cleverness and the parson's predicament.
- Fable — The story conveys a moral lesson about resourcefulness and the importance of community support.
- Children's Literature — The simple language and playful tone make it suitable for a young audience.
Tags
Poetry · Canadian Literature · 19th Century · Literary Magazine · Humorous · Satirical · Social Commentary · Working Class · Industrialization · Urban Life · Poetic Form · Free Verse