At Madame Manicure'S
The story revolves around a young woman who runs a beauty parlor and becomes infatuated with a wealthy client. She begins to manipulate him emotionally, using her charm and beauty to get what she wants from him. As their relationship deepens, the woman's true nature is revealed, and the man is left heartbroken and financially drained.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Fantasy · 281 words
First lines
Daintiest of Manicures! What a cunning hand is yours; And how awkward, rude and great Mine, as you manipulate! Wonderfully cool and calm Are the touches of your palm To my fingers, as they rest In their rosy, cosey nest, While your own, with deftest skill, Dance and caper as they will, -- Armed with instruments that seem Gathered from some fairy dream -- Tiny spears, and simitars Such as pixy armorers Might have made for jocund fays To parade on holidays.
What this Textopian page supports
At Madame Manicure'S is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1887 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 Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Fantasy, Humor
- Length: 281 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for At Madame Manicure'S by James Whitcomb Riley
- 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering At Madame Manicure'S?
- How does this short story by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romantic — The poem contains elements of admiration and affection, typical of romantic themes.
- Fantasy — The imagery includes fantastical elements like fairy dreams and pixy armorers.
- Humor — The playful tone and whimsical comparisons suggest a humorous undertone.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Feminism · Beauty Standards · Critique of Society · Irony · Wit · Wordplay