The King and Peasant by James McIntyre
The narrative unfolds around a kind-hearted king who, under the guise of a commoner, engages with a peasant. The king, known for his shooting prowess, impresses the peasant by successfully hunting partridges. The peasant, in awe of the king's skills, praises him and shares his troubles regarding a fox that threatens his chickens. In a gesture of camaraderie, the peasant offers the king two francs to eliminate the fox, requesting his assistance at dawn when the chickens are most vulnerable. The king accepts the challenge, hunts the fox, and fulfills his promise. Grateful, the peasant rewards the king with breakfast, during which they share a friendly conversation, allowing the king to momentarily escape his royal duties and enjoy the simplicity of peasant life. The following day, the king, still in disguise, sends gifts to the peasant and his wife, expressing his appreciation for their hospitality. The peasant and his wife cherish the king's kindness, feeling a deep connection to him despite his royal status. They take pride in the fox's tail, now displayed as a trophy, serving as a reminder of the king's visit and the bond formed during their brief encounter. The story highlights themes of humility, friendship, and the joy found in simple acts of kindness, illustrating how genuine interactions can transcend social hierarchies. The king's willingness to engage with the peasant on equal terms fosters mutual respect and affection, ultimately enriching both their lives.
By James McIntyre · First published 1950 · Genre: Poetry, Fable, Literary Fiction · 390 words
First lines
A pleasant tale we now will sing / Of an old peasant and the King;
The kind Italian King, Humbert, / With the gun is a great expert.
What this Textopian page supports
The King and Peasant is listed on Textopian as a short story by James McIntyre, dated 1950 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: 1950 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fable, Literary Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature
- Length: 390 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The King and Peasant by James McIntyre
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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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 through the interactions between the King and the peasant.
- Literary Fiction — The story explores themes of class, kindness, and human connection, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Humor — The light-hearted tone and amusing situations contribute to a humorous reading experience.
Tags
Poem · Satire · Social Commentary · Fable · Literary Fiction · Canadian Literature · 19th Century Literature · Humor · Irony · Critique of Power · Class Struggle · Rural Life