Golden Egg by James McIntyre (1865)
The narrative explores themes of greed and the consequences of impatience through the allegory of a goose that lays golden eggs. Initially, the tale recounts the folly of a master who, dissatisfied with the daily yield, kills the goose in hopes of obtaining more gold, only to find himself bereft of wealth. Transitioning to a setting in California's gold mines, the story introduces hens that inadvertently discover gold within their bodies. These hens, while unable to digest the gold, become a source of unexpected fortune for miners who find the precious metal in their craws. The miners experience joy and satisfaction from this serendipitous discovery, contrasting the earlier tale's outcome. The work emphasizes the irony of greed leading to loss, while also celebrating the unexpected rewards of nature. It highlights the relationship between humans and their environment, suggesting that patience and appreciation for what one has can yield greater rewards than relentless pursuit. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of avarice and the value of recognizing and cherishing the simple gifts life offers.
By James McIntyre · First published 1865 · Genre: Poetry, Fable, Fantasy · 268 words
First lines
In ancient times we have been told A goose did lay an egg of gold, She did produce one every day, So regular this goose did lay.
But her stupid foolish master Wanted her to lay them faster, And he at last the goose did kill, Gold grist no more came to his mill.
But a strange tale we now unfold, In California's mines of gold, There they keep both hens and chickens, 'Mong the gravel scratching pickings.
But hens do find the golden shiner, Is too heavy for their dinner, For it they cannot well digest, As it lies solid in their breast.
What this Textopian page supports
Golden Egg is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 1865 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James McIntyre
- Date: 1865 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fable, Fantasy, Humor, Adventure
- Length: 268 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Fable — The narrative conveys a moral lesson about greed and consequences, characteristic of fables.
- Fantasy — The story involves fantastical elements such as a goose that lays golden eggs and magical occurrences.
- Humor — The absurdity of the situations and characters provides a humorous undertone.
Tags
Fable · Satire · Poetry · Humor · Irony · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Allegory · Symbolism · Fantasy · Mythology · Folklore