The Mare and the Motor
A young man inherits a horse from his uncle and learns to care for it, developing a strong bond with the animal. He also becomes involved with a woman who helps him understand the value of hard work and responsibility. The story explores themes of independence, self-reliance, and the importance of learning from one's mistakes.
By Joseph C. Lincoln · First published 1909 · Genre: Humor, Fiction, Adventure · 4,972 words
First lines
Them Todds had got on my nerves. 'Twas Peter's ad that brought 'em down. You see, 'twas 'long toward the end of the season at the Old Home, and Brown had been advertising in the New York and Boston papers to "bag the leftovers," as he called it. Besides the reg'lar hogwash about the "breath of old ocean" and the "simple, cleanly living of the bygone days we dream about," there was some new froth concerning hunting and fishing. You'd think the wild geese roosted on the flagpole nights, and the bluefish clogged up the bay so's you could walk on their back fins without wetting your feet -- that is, if you wore rubbers and trod light.
What this Textopian page supports
The Mare and the Motor is listed on Textopian as a short story by Joseph C. Lincoln, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Joseph C. Lincoln
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Fiction, Adventure, Slice of Life, Satire
- Length: 4,972 words
- Structure: 1 section, 88 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Mare and the Motor by Joseph C. Lincoln
- 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 Mare and the Motor?
- How does this short story by Joseph C. Lincoln fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The South Shore Weather Bureau by Joseph C. Lincoln
- Kent Knowles Quahaug by Joseph C. Lincoln
- The Mark On The Door by Joseph C. Lincoln
- The Dog Star by Joseph C. Lincoln
- The Old Carryall by Joseph C. Lincoln
Genres
- Humor — The narrative employs comedic elements through character interactions and absurd situations, creating a light-hearted tone.
- Fiction — The story is a work of fiction, presenting a fictional narrative with invented characters and events.
- Adventure — The plot involves a series of escapades and misadventures, particularly related to hunting and boating.
- Slice of Life — The story captures everyday experiences and interactions of the characters in a specific setting, reflecting their personalities and social dynamics.
Tags
Classic American Literature · Humorous Fiction · Satire · Social Commentary · Marriage · Relationships · Family Dynamics · Small Town Life · Rural Setting · Nostalgia · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery