Killing Time by Oliver Herford
The narrative unfolds in a chaotic scene filled with a diverse crowd engaged in a frenzied pursuit. The atmosphere is charged with excitement, characterized by various sounds and flying objects, creating a vivid tableau of activity. The protagonist, initially bewildered by the commotion, decides to investigate the source of the uproar. As the protagonist joins the throng, they discover that the object of the chase is an elderly man, seemingly frail and out of place. The protagonist expresses indignation at the sight of the elderly figure being pursued, viewing it as a disgraceful act. However, the crowd's laughter reveals that the chase is not what it seems; they are not pursuing a person but rather the abstract concept of "Time," personified as the old man with wings. This revelation shifts the tone from one of concern to amusement, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. The protagonist reflects on the nature of time and the human tendency to chase after it, often in vain. The whimsical portrayal of time as a frail old man with wings serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and the universal struggle against its passage. The work concludes with the protagonist embracing the humor of the situation, recognizing that while the act of "killing time" may seem frivolous, it is a shared human experience. The playful tone and clever imagery invite readers to consider their own relationship with time, ultimately suggesting that laughter and creativity can be found even in the most serious pursuits.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 412 words
First lines
The air was full of shouts and cries, Of shrill "Ha-ha's," and "Ho's," and "Hi's," And every kind of whistle, And the sky was dark with flying things -- Golf-sticks, balls, engagement-rings, Novels, rackets, and billiard-cues, Cameras, fishing-rods, and shoes, And every sort of missile.
The ground was black with a seething mass Of people of every kind and class -- Matrons, men, and misses, Ladies and gentlemen, old and new, Lads and lasses, and children too, Elderly men with elderly wives -- Hustling and bustling for their lives.
What this Textopian page supports
Killing Time is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Satire, Fantasy, Children's Literature
- Length: 412 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Killing Time by Oliver Herford
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Killing Time?
- How does this short story by Oliver Herford fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The poem employs comedic elements, including absurdity and irony, particularly in the depiction of people chasing 'Time'.
- Satire — The poem critiques societal behaviors and attitudes towards aging and the passage of time, using humor to convey its message.
- Fantasy — The imagery of 'Time' having wings and being personified adds a fantastical element to the narrative.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Dark Comedy · Social Commentary · Poetry · Literary Fiction · Absurdism · Existentialism · Philosophy · Morality · Mortality · Time