Two Pairs of Shoes
The story revolves around a young man who inherits two pairs of shoes from his uncle's estate. One pair is old and worn out, while the other is new and expensive-looking. The protagonist decides to sell the old pair for a small sum of money, but then has second thoughts and returns it to its rightful owner.
By Joseph C. Lincoln · First published 1906 · Genre: Humor, Fiction, Social Commentary · 6,903 words
First lines
I don't exactly know why Cap'n Jonadab and me went to the post-office that night; we wa'n't expecting any mail, that's sartin. I guess likely we done it for the reason the feller that tumbled overboard went to the bottom -- 'twas the handiest place TO go.
Anyway we was there, and I was propping up the stove with my feet and holding down a chair with the rest of me, when Jonadab heaves alongside flying distress signals. He had an envelope in his starboard mitten, and, coming to anchor with a flop in the next chair, sets shifting the thing from one hand to the other as if it 'twas red hot.
What this Textopian page supports
Two Pairs of Shoes is listed on Textopian as a short story by Joseph C. Lincoln, dated 1906 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: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Fiction, Social Commentary, Adventure, Slice of Life
- Length: 6,903 words
- Structure: 1 section, 107 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Two Pairs of Shoes 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 Two Pairs of Shoes?
- 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
- The Mare And The Motor by Joseph C. Lincoln
- The Antiquers by Joseph C. Lincoln
- Life In A Country Manse by J. M. Barrie
- The Indian Summer Of Dry Valley Johnson by O. Henry
- Barbershop Adventure by O. Henry
- The Mark On The Door by Joseph C. Lincoln
Genres
- Humor — The narrative is filled with comedic situations and misunderstandings, particularly involving the characters' interactions and the practical jokes played.
- Fiction — The story is a work of fiction that explores the lives and experiences of its characters in a fictional setting.
- Social Commentary — The text reflects on social class differences and the behaviors of different societal groups, particularly between rural and urban characters.
- Adventure — The characters embark on a journey that includes travel and unexpected events, particularly during the ice-boat race.
Tags
Classic American Literature · Short Story Collection · Humorous Fiction · Satire · Social Commentary · Marriage · Family Life · Small Town America · Regionalism · Folk Humor · Wit · Irony