A Journey of Little Profit
The narrative follows a young drover, Duncan Stewart, who recounts a pivotal experience from his reckless youth. Set against the backdrop of a bustling cattle market in Inverforth, Duncan's tale begins with his arrival in Edinburgh, where he impulsively decides to venture into the moors with a flock of sheep. After a day of drinking and quarrelling, he becomes lost and stumbles upon an eerie, seemingly abandoned estate. Inside, he meets a man who shares his name, Mr. Stewart, who invites him to supper. The atmosphere is luxurious yet unsettling, and Duncan is drawn in by the sumptuous food and drink. As they converse, Duncan boasts of his wild past and dreams of future prosperity, revealing his character as a brash and carefree individual. However, the conversation takes a dark turn when Mr. Stewart reveals his true identity as the Devil, offering Duncan a Faustian bargain: his soul in exchange for his flock. Duncan grapples with the temptation, initially considering the deal but ultimately refusing to part with his soul. The encounter serves as a moral reckoning for Duncan, who realizes the gravity of his choices and the potential consequences of his reckless lifestyle. The story culminates with Duncan waking up on the moors, surrounded by his dogs, suggesting a return to reality and a chance for redemption. The work explores themes of temptation, morality, and the struggle between a life of indulgence and the pursuit of a more meaningful existence. Through Duncan's journey, the narrative reflects on the consequences of one's actions and the importance of self-awareness in the face of temptation.
By John Buchan · First published 1911 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 5,169 words
First lines
The Devil he sang, the Devil he played High and fast and free. And this was ever the song he made, As it was told to me. Oh, I am the king of the air and the ground, And lord of the seasons' roll, And I will give you a hundred pound, If you will give me your soul! - The Ballad of Grey Weather
What this Textopian page supports
A Journey of Little Profit is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Buchan, dated 1911 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: John Buchan
- Date: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 5,169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 74 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Journey of Little Profit by John Buchan
- 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 A Journey of Little Profit?
- How does this short story by John Buchan fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of morality, identity, and the human condition through rich character development and narrative style.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey through the Scottish landscape and encounters with various characters embody the spirit of adventure.
- Fantasy — The presence of supernatural elements, particularly the character representing the Devil, introduces a fantastical aspect to the narrative.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, the story reflects the social and cultural dynamics of Scotland during the time.
Tags
adventure · travel · exploration · self-discovery · historical · narrative · journey · landscape · culture · personal growth · philosophy · nature