Buzz by Louisa May Alcott (1859)

Name: Buzz
Author: Louisa May Alcott

The narrative follows a solitary individual living in a city apartment who experiences loneliness despite having a busy life and many acquaintances. One evening, a cheerful fly appears, and the protagonist welcomes it as a companion, naming it Buzz. The fly quickly becomes a source of joy and entertainment, exploring the room, interacting with the decor, and enjoying the food available. Buzz exhibits a curious personality, engaging with the protagonist's belongings, including books and pictures, and displaying a fondness for certain literary works. The two develop a close bond, with Buzz's antics providing amusement and companionship during quiet evenings. The protagonist appreciates Buzz's presence, noting how he brightens her days and becomes an integral part of her routine. As time passes, the protagonist leaves for a week during Christmas, forgetting to take Buzz with her. Upon returning, she discovers that Buzz has died from the cold. The loss deeply affects her, highlighting the emotional connection they shared. She buries Buzz among the ivy roots, expressing her sorrow and longing for the cheerful companionship he provided. The story concludes with a reflection on the impact of their friendship and the void left by Buzz's absence.

By Louisa May Alcott · First published 1859 · Genre: Fiction, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 1,946 words

First lines

I live high up in a city house all alone. My room is a cosy little place, though there is nothing very splendid in it, -- only my pictures and books, my flowers and my little friend. When I began to live there, I was very busy and therefore very happy; but by-and-by, when my hurry was over and I had more time to myself, I often felt lonely. When I ate my meals I used to wish for a pleasant companion to eat with me; and when I sat by the fire of evenings, I thought how much more social it would be if some one sat opposite. I had many friends and callers through the day, but the evenings were often rather dull; for I couldn't read much, and didn't care to go out in the stormy weather.

What this Textopian page supports

Buzz is listed on Textopian as a short story by Louisa May Alcott, dated 1859 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Date: 1859 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fiction, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Humor, Nature Writing
Length: 1,946 words
Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Buzz by Louisa May Alcott
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 Buzz?
How does this short story by Louisa May Alcott fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fiction — The narrative is a fictional account of a unique friendship between a person and a fly, exploring themes of companionship and loneliness.
Children's Literature — The story is suitable for children, featuring a whimsical character and simple, engaging language that appeals to young readers.
Fantasy — The anthropomorphism of the fly, Buzz, and the imaginative interactions between the narrator and the fly create a fantastical element.
Humor — The light-hearted tone and humorous situations involving Buzz's antics contribute to a comedic aspect of the story.