Little Daffydowndilly
A young boy, characterized by his love for beauty and aversion to hard work, is sent to a strict school overseen by a harsh schoolmaster known as Mr. Toil. Daffydowndilly, feeling miserable under Mr. Toil's stern rule, decides to run away in search of his mother and a life free from toil. On his journey, he encounters a stranger who claims to have also dealt with Mr. Toil and agrees to accompany Daffydowndilly. As they travel, Daffydowndilly is repeatedly confronted by figures resembling Mr. Toil in various professions: a farmer, a carpenter, a soldier, and a fiddler, each embodying the same harshness he associates with his schoolmaster. Despite the stranger's reassurances that these are merely brothers of Mr. Toil, Daffydowndilly grows increasingly anxious, believing he cannot escape the influence of toil. Eventually, they come across a group of people lounging in the shade, where Daffydowndilly hopes to find respite. However, he again sees a figure resembling Mr. Toil, this time in the guise of a lazy man. Overwhelmed, Daffydowndilly realizes that he cannot escape toil, as it permeates every aspect of life. In despair, he wishes to return to school, only to discover that they have traveled in a circle and are back at the schoolhouse. The stranger, who has been a manifestation of Mr. Toil all along, leads him back. Through this experience, Daffydowndilly learns that diligence is not as burdensome as he once thought and begins to appreciate the value of hard work, recognizing that it can be rewarding and fulfilling. He ultimately finds that Mr. Toil's approval is as comforting as his mother's affection.
By Nathaniel Hawthorne · First published 1843 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Allegory · 3,064 words
First lines
Daffydowndilly was so called because in his nature he resembled a flower, and loved to do only what was beautiful and agreeable, and took no delight in labor of any kind. But, while Daffydowndilly was yet a little boy, his mother sent him away from his pleasant home, and put him under the care of a very strict schoolmaster, who went by the name of Mr. Toil. Those who knew him best affirmed that this Mr. Toil was a very worthy character; and that he had done more good, both to children and grown people, than anybody else in the world. Certainly he had lived long enough to do a great deal of good; for, if all stories be true, he had dwelt upon earth ever since Adam was driven from the garden of Eden.
What this Textopian page supports
Little Daffydowndilly is listed on Textopian as a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, dated 1843 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Date: 1843 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Allegory, Moral Tale, Fiction
- Length: 3,064 words
- Structure: 1 section, 45 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Little Daffydowndilly by Nathaniel Hawthorne
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Little Daffydowndilly?
- How does this short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne 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 is aimed at a young audience, featuring a child protagonist and moral lessons suitable for children.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes whimsical elements and personification, such as the character of Mr. Toil and his various incarnations.
- Allegory — The story serves as an allegory for the importance of diligence and the nature of work versus idleness.
- Moral Tale — The plot conveys moral lessons about the value of hard work and the consequences of avoiding responsibility.
Tags
Fiction · Children's Literature · Nineteenth Century · American Literature · Satire · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis · Family Dynamics · Parental Influence