Clorinda by Oliver Herford (1910)
The narrative follows Clorinda, a fashionable woman who encounters a whimsical shop dedicated to selling husbands. Intrigued by the sign "THE HUSBAND SHOP," she enters, greeted by a floor-walker who presents husbands as the latest fashion accessory. The shop showcases various husbands, each adorned on hats, reflecting the absurdity of treating relationships as commodities. Clorinda tries on several husbands, each with distinct characteristics—some too small, others too cold or stern, and a few even slightly soiled. Each husband displays signs of boredom when subjected to the hat-pin, emphasizing their lack of genuine connection. However, she eventually finds one labeled "Dibbs," which surprisingly responds positively to her touch, suggesting a spark of compatibility. Delighted by this discovery, Clorinda decides that this particular husband would be better suited as a corsage rather than a mere hat accessory. The scene concludes with her leaving the shop, proudly wearing her chosen husband close to her heart, leaving onlookers astonished by her unconventional choice. The work satirizes societal norms regarding marriage and relationships, highlighting the absurdity of viewing love as a mere fashion statement.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Fable · 424 words
First lines
A Fable for Heiresses
Above the plate-glass window-pane, Inviting every passing gaze, Hung an inscription, large and plain, "THE HUSBAND SHOP. " This, in amaze, Clorinda seeing, stopped wide-eyed, And stared, then turned and stepped inside.
What this Textopian page supports
Clorinda is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Herford, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Fable, Humor, Romance
- Length: 424 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Clorinda by Oliver Herford
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work employs rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry, focusing on themes of love and societal norms.
- Satire — The narrative critiques societal expectations regarding marriage and relationships through humor and irony.
- Fable — The story conveys a moral lesson about the absurdity of treating relationships as commodities.
- Humor — The playful tone and whimsical scenarios create a comedic effect throughout the narrative.
Tags
Fantasy · Romance · Adventure · Mythology · Fairy Tale · Literary Fiction · Classic Literature · 19th Century Literature · English Literature · Poetic Prose · Symbolism · Allegory