Corny's Catamount

Name: Corny's Catamount
Author: Louisa May Alcott

Two boys, Corny and Chris, engage in a conversation about Corny's determination to hunt a wildcat, despite his mother's objections. Corny is eager to prove himself and plans to sneak away during a trip to the mountains with a group of summer boarders. He intends to venture into the woods alone, confident in his abilities, while Chris expresses concern for his safety. As the group ascends the mountain, Corny becomes increasingly impatient and eventually slips away into the woods, leaving behind the party. He revels in the freedom of the wilderness but soon finds himself lost and struggling. After a series of misadventures, including falling into a mud hole and losing his lunch, he decides to follow a stream in hopes of finding his way back. Corny's journey becomes perilous as he tumbles down a ravine, landing in the branches of a tree, which saves him from a fatal fall. He spends a restless night on a ledge, reflecting on his recklessness and longing for home. As dawn breaks, he devises a plan to escape by creating a makeshift rope to lower himself to the ground. After successfully descending, he encounters a wounded wildcat in an old cabin. Seizing the opportunity, he kills the animal with a piece of timber, fulfilling his goal. Exhausted but triumphant, he begins his journey back home, only to be met by Chris and others who had been searching for him. The group celebrates Corny's unexpected success, though he admits he didn't shoot the wildcat himself. The experience teaches him valuable lessons about humility, responsibility, and the importance of heeding advice. Upon returning home, Corny is welcomed with concern and affection, and he reflects on his adventure with newfound wisdom, vowing to be more considerate in the future.

By Louisa May Alcott · First published 1850 · Genre: Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Children's Literature · 7,443 words

First lines

Two boys sat on the bars, one whittling, the other whistling, -- not for want of thought by any means, for his brow was knit in an anxious frown, and he paused now and then to thump the rail, with an impatient exclamation. The other lad appeared to be absorbed in shaping an arrow from the slender stick in his hand, but he watched his neighbor with a grin, saying a few words occasionally which seemed to add to his irritation, though they were in a sympathizing tone.

"Oh, well, if a chap can't do a thing he can't; and he'd better give up and say, 'Beat."

What this Textopian page supports

Corny's Catamount is listed on Textopian as a short story by Louisa May Alcott, dated 1850 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: 1850 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Children's Literature, Nature Writing, Humor
Length: 7,443 words
Structure: 1 section, 94 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Work identity for Corny's Catamount 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
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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Louisa May Alcott fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The plot centers around Corny's adventurous quest to hunt a wildcat, showcasing themes of exploration and the challenges of nature.
Coming-of-Age — The story follows Corny's growth and maturity as he learns valuable lessons about responsibility, courage, and the consequences of his actions.
Children's Literature — The narrative is aimed at a younger audience, featuring relatable characters and moral lessons suitable for children.
Nature Writing — The detailed descriptions of the wilderness and the natural environment play a significant role in the story, emphasizing the beauty and dangers of nature.