Furrow-Maker by Lord Dunsany (1923)

Name: Furrow-Maker
Author: Lord Dunsany

The narrative unfolds through a dialogue between two figures, one clad in black and the other in brown, representing two ancient families. They discuss the state of humanity, referred to as the "furrow-maker," who has remained unchanged in his fundamental nature despite the passage of time. The black figure expresses concern over the changes in humanity's lifestyle, particularly the shift towards urbanization and the toll it takes on the furrow-maker's health. The brown figure relays rumors from other creatures, like Pigeon and Hare, who claim that the furrow-maker is suffering due to his reliance on cities, which are described as "noisome." The conversation reveals a deep-seated belief that the furrow-maker, despite his current ailments, will ultimately endure. The black figure is adamant that the connection between their families and the furrow-maker is strong enough to ensure his survival. As the dialogue progresses, the brown figure expresses skepticism, suggesting that the furrow-maker's fate may mirror that of other creatures who suffer when overpopulated or when their environment becomes inhospitable. The black figure dismisses these concerns, reiterating the historical bond between their families and the furrow-maker, asserting that he will not perish. The narrative culminates in a moment of introspection from the furrow-maker himself, who contemplates his inventions and the impact of his choices. He expresses a desire to return to a simpler existence in nature, hinting at an internal conflict between progress and the wisdom of the past. The work explores themes of change, survival, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world, ultimately questioning the sustainability of modern advancements in the face of traditional values.

By Lord Dunsany · First published 1923 · Genre: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Allegory · 643 words

First lines

He was all in black, but his friend was dressed in brown, members of two old families.

"Is there any change in the way you build your houses? " said he in black.

What this Textopian page supports

Furrow-Maker is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lord Dunsany, dated 1923 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Lord Dunsany
Date: 1923 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Allegory, Literary Fiction, Speculative Fiction
Length: 643 words
Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The narrative features anthropomorphized characters and explores themes of nature versus civilization, typical of fantasy literature.
Philosophical Fiction — The dialogue reflects deep philosophical inquiries about existence, change, and the relationship between humanity and nature.
Allegory — The characters and their discussions symbolize broader themes regarding humanity's impact on the environment and the cyclical nature of life.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and rich in metaphor, focusing on character development and thematic depth.