The Crow by John Burroughs (1869)
This work is a collection of essays that explore the symbolism and significance of crows in nature and human culture. The author examines the crow's intelligence, social behavior, and adaptability, drawing parallels between these traits and human society. Through observations of crows in their natural habitat, the author reflects on themes such as mortality, transformation, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
By John Burroughs · First published 1869 · Genre: Nature Writing, Essays, Literary Non-Fiction · 1,485 words
First lines
The crow may not have the sweet voice which the fox in his flattery attributed to him, but he has a good, strong, native speech nevertheless. How much character there is in it! How much thrift and independence! Of course his plumage is firm, his color decided, his wit quick. He understands you at once and tells you so; so does the hawk by his scornful, defiant _whir-r-r-r-r_. Hardy, happy outlaws, the crows, how I love them! Alert, social, republican, always able to look out for himself, not afraid of the cold and the snow, fishing when flesh is scarce, and stealing when other resources fail, the crow is a character I would not willingly miss from the landscape. I love to see his track in the snow or the mud, and his graceful pedestrianism about the brown fields.
What this Textopian page supports
The Crow is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Burroughs, dated 1869 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 Burroughs
- Date: 1869 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Writing, Essays, Literary Non-Fiction, Animal Behavior, Philosophical
- Length: 1,485 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Crow by John Burroughs
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Crow?
- How does this short story by John Burroughs fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Nature Writing first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Crow Poem by John Burroughs
- This Was In The White Of The Year by Emily Dickinson
- The Chapel Of The Hermits by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Heron by Madison Cawein
- To A Stray Fowl by Henry David Thoreau
- A Day by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Nature Writing — The work focuses on the observations and characteristics of crows, emphasizing their behavior and role in the natural world.
- Essays — The text presents a reflective and analytical exploration of the crow, typical of essayistic writing.
- Literary Non-Fiction — The narrative blends factual observations with personal insights, characteristic of literary non-fiction.
- Animal Behavior — The work delves into the behaviors and instincts of crows, making it relevant to the study of animal behavior.
Tags
Nature · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Symbolism · Imagery · Descriptive Writing · Birds · Wildlife · Observation · Reflection · Philosophy