How they Ran Away
Two boys, Tommy and Billy, decide to run away into the woods to become hunters, inspired by adventure stories. They gather supplies, including bows and a lunch basket, and set off excitedly, eager to explore the forest. However, they quickly realize they have taken the wrong lunch basket, leaving them without food. They attempt to catch fish and gather berries to sustain themselves. As they navigate the woods, they set a trap and manage to catch a woodchuck, which they hope to eat. They encounter a hunter who offers them food and warns them about the dangers of the mountain, including bears. Tommy is eager to join the hunter in pursuit of a bear, but Billy, feeling tired and scared, wants to return home. The boys argue, and ultimately, Tommy decides to continue exploring while Billy rests. As night falls, they become lost and face the reality of their situation. Billy accidentally falls from a tree, getting stuck by his belt, while Tommy, in his excitement, tumbles into an old bear trap. Both boys are scared and alone, longing for home. Meanwhile, their mothers and local men organize a search party, worried for the boys' safety. The searchers eventually find Billy hanging from the tree and rescue him. They then locate Tommy in the bear pit, where he has fallen asleep. Both boys are relieved to be found, and they recount their misadventures to the amused searchers. They return home, with Tommy boasting about his exploits, while he resolves to wait until he is older before attempting to hunt again. The experience teaches them valuable lessons about adventure, responsibility, and the importance of home.
By Louisa May Alcott · First published 1870 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Coming-of-Age · 6,379 words
First lines
Two little boys sat on the fence whittling arrows one fine day. Said one little boy to the other little boy, --
"Let's do something jolly."
What this Textopian page supports
How they Ran Away is listed on Textopian as a short story by Louisa May Alcott, dated 1870 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: 1870 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Fiction, Humor
- Length: 6,379 words
- Structure: 1 section, 135 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for How they Ran Away 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 How they Ran Away?
- How does this short story by Louisa May Alcott fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The story features young protagonists and is aimed at a juvenile audience, focusing on their adventures and moral lessons.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around the boys' escapades in the woods, including hunting and survival themes.
- Coming-of-Age — The narrative explores themes of growth, responsibility, and the transition from childhood innocence to a more mature understanding of nature and consequences.
- Fiction — The work is a fictional narrative that tells a story about the boys' experiences and challenges.
Tags
Coming-of-age · Family drama · Friendship · Adventure · Escape · Youthful rebellion · Social commentary · Romance · Self-discovery · Growing up · Independence · Responsibility