The Opossum by John Burroughs (1869)
This work is a collection of essays that explore the natural world and the human experience through observations of an opossum. The author reflects on the animal's unique characteristics and behaviors, using them to comment on themes such as adaptability, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
By John Burroughs · First published 1869 · Genre: Nature Writing, Non-Fiction, Memoir · 1,115 words
First lines
A new track has appeared upon the snow in my neighborhood here on the Hudson within the past few years. It is a strange track, and suggests some small, deformed human hand. If the dwarfs or brownies we read of in childhood were to walk abroad in winter, they might leave such an imprint behind them as this.
What this Textopian page supports
The Opossum 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, Non-Fiction, Memoir, Animal Behavior, Environmental Literature
- Length: 1,115 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Opossum by John Burroughs
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Opossum?
- 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 Chipmunk by John Burroughs
- The Muskrat by John Burroughs
- A Birds Free Lunch by John Burroughs
- The Flight Of The Eagle by John Burroughs
- Touches Of Nature by John Burroughs
- The Chipping Sparrow by John Burroughs
Genres
- Nature Writing — The work focuses on the observation and description of the opossum and its behavior, emphasizing the author's connection to the natural world.
- Non-Fiction — The text presents factual information about the opossum, its habits, and its environment, grounded in real-life experiences.
- Memoir — The narrative includes personal anecdotes and reflections on the author's interactions with the opossum, providing a subjective perspective.
- Animal Behavior — The work explores the behavior and characteristics of the opossum, contributing to the understanding of animal life.
Tags
Nature Writing · Wildlife · Opossums · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Nonfiction · Essay Collection · Observational Writing · Descriptive Writing · Scientific Observation · Animal Behavior · Ecology