A Crushed Hero by Joseph C. Lincoln
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after being away for several years. He had been working on the mainland and has come back with a sense of superiority, looking down upon those he left behind. However, his plans are soon disrupted when he meets a woman from his past, and they rekindle their romance. This forces him to confront his own feelings and the reality of his situation. As he navigates this new development, he must also contend with the challenges of small-town life and the expectations placed upon him by those around him. Ultimately, the hero's sense of self-importance is crushed as he comes to terms with his place in the world.
By Joseph C. Lincoln · First published 1908 · Genre: Humor, Poetry, Coming-of-Age · 497 words
First lines
On a log behind the pigsty of a modest little farm, Sits a freckled youth and lanky, red of hair and long of arm; But his mien is proud and haughty and his brow is high and stern, And beneath their sandy lashes, fiery eyes with purpose burn. Bow before him, gentle reader, he's the hero we salute, He is Hiram Adoniram Andrew Jackson Shute.
Search not Fame's immortal marbles, never there his name you'll find, For our hero, let us whisper, is a hero in his mind; And a youth may bathe in glory, wade in slaughter time on time, When a novel, wild and gory, may be purchased for a dime. And through reams of lurid pages has he slain the Sioux and Ute, Bloody Hiram Adoniram Andrew Jackson Shute.
What this Textopian page supports
A Crushed Hero is listed on Textopian as a poem by Joseph C. Lincoln, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Joseph C. Lincoln
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Poetry, Coming-of-Age, Social Commentary, Tragedy
- Length: 497 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Discussion starters
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- How does this poem by Joseph C. Lincoln fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Humor — The poem employs satire and comedic elements to portray the absurdity of the protagonist's self-perception as a hero.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its themes and emotions.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist's journey reflects the struggles of youth and the transition from childhood fantasies to harsh realities.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal expectations and the concept of heroism, highlighting the disparity between perception and reality.
Tags
Classic American Literature · Novel · Coming-of-Age Story · Small-Town Life · Friendship · Love Triangle · Social Class · Family Dynamics · Morality Tale · Self-Discovery · Growing Up · Realism