Soldier and Gander by James McIntyre
The narrative follows a soldier during the Civil War, specifically when Sherman marched through Georgia. The soldier, hungry and resourceful, decides to fish for a meal using a hook and line. He encounters an old woman with a flock of geese and sets his sights on her gander. The soldier's intention is to capture the gander, believing it will provide a satisfying meal. As he casts his bait, the gander leaves its companions, seemingly in pursuit of the soldier. The old woman reassures the soldier that the gander is harmless and only playful, insisting that it has never harmed anyone and is known for its good nature. Despite her assurances, the soldier, fearful of the gander, chooses to flee. Unbeknownst to the old woman, the gander has been caught by the hook. Once the soldier reaches safety, he removes the hook from the gander's bill, twists its neck, and prepares to roast it. The soldier reflects on the meal with pride, indicating that he often boasts about this particular feast. The story highlights themes of survival, resourcefulness, and the unexpected outcomes of seemingly simple encounters.
By James McIntyre · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Fable · 268 words
First lines
When Sherman marched through Georgia, Hanger in soldiers oft did knaw;
A soldier longing for to dine He soon procured a hook and line, And put on hook a tempting bait.
And old wife stood beside her gate, And round her a flock of geese;
The soldier he resolved to fleece The old Irtdy of her gander, And make it from flock to wander;
What this Textopian page supports
Soldier and Gander is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Fable, Historical Fiction, Adventure
- Length: 268 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Soldier and Gander by James McIntyre
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Humor — The narrative contains comedic elements, particularly in the interactions between the soldier and the gander.
- Fable — The story conveys a moral lesson through anthropomorphism, typical of fables.
- Historical Fiction — The setting during Sherman's march through Georgia provides a historical context.
Tags
Poetry · Canadian Literature · 19th Century Literature · Humorous Poetry · Satire · Social Commentary · Feminism · Masculinity · Identity · Society · Culture · Politics