The Raccoon by John Burroughs (1868)
This work is a collection of essays that explore the natural world and human experience through observations of wildlife, particularly raccoons. The author reflects on the animal's adaptability, intelligence, and social behavior, drawing parallels with human society. The text also touches on themes of nature, morality, and the human condition.
By John Burroughs · First published 1868 · Genre: Nature Writing, Non-Fiction, Adventure · 968 words
First lines
In March that brief summary of a bear, the raccoon, comes out of his den in the ledges, and leaves his sharp digitigrade track upon the snow, -- traveling not unfrequently in pairs, -- a lean, hungry couple, bent on pillage and plunder. They have an unenviable time of it, -- feasting in the summer and fall, hibernating in winter, and starving in spring. In April I have found the young of the previous year creeping about the fields, so reduced by starvation as to be quite helpless, and offering no resistance to my taking them up by the tail and carrying them home.
What this Textopian page supports
The Raccoon is listed on Textopian as an essay by John Burroughs, dated 1868 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: John Burroughs
- Date: 1868 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Writing, Non-Fiction, Adventure, Animal Behavior, Rural Life
- Length: 968 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Raccoon by John Burroughs
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Raccoon?
- How does this essay by John Burroughs fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Nature Writing first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Nature Writing — The work focuses on the behavior and characteristics of raccoons, emphasizing observations of wildlife and natural settings.
- Non-Fiction — The text presents factual information about raccoons, their habits, and interactions with humans.
- Adventure — The narrative includes elements of hunting and outdoor exploration, depicting the excitement of coon hunting.
- Animal Behavior — The work delves into the instincts and actions of raccoons, providing insights into their survival strategies.
Tags
Nature Writing · Wildlife Observation · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Non-Fiction · Essay Collection · Raccoon Behavior · Animal Studies · Ecological Awareness · Conservationism · Outdoor Adventure · Travelogue