Prince Pompom by Oliver Herford
A young prince, known for his noble lineage, resides under a bountiful apple tree in a fantastical realm called Apple-Tartary. He immerses himself in tales of heroism, particularly the story of Hercules and the golden apples of the Hesperides. The apples, overhearing his admiration, become prideful, boasting about their noble ancestry and status as part of the "Applestocracy." Their inflated egos lead to a confrontation with the tree, which ultimately cannot support their arrogance. The next day, the apples find themselves fallen and embarrassed on the ground. Queen Pompom, the prince's mother, discovers them and decides to transform their misfortune into a delicious apple pie. The narrative explores themes of pride, humility, and the consequences of vanity, illustrating how even the most esteemed can fall from grace. The whimsical tone and playful language highlight the absurdity of the apples' self-importance, while the resolution serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the potential for redemption through transformation.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1907 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Poetry · 281 words
First lines
Beneath a Fruitful Apple Tree Sate Pompom, youth of high degree, And Prince of Apple-Tartary; While in the branches overhead The apples blushed with rapture red, As from a great book on his knees He read of the Hesperides, And how, to win the apples gold, One Hercules, a Hero bold, A hundred-headed Dragon shew. "How brave! How wonderful! How true! " Exclaimed the apples, flushed and red. "That proves what we have always said: We come of Ancient Pedigree! We're of the Applestocracy! Our title cannot be denied. " Whereat they swelled and swelled with Pride Until their High and Mighty Air Was more than Apple Tree could bear.
What this Textopian page supports
Prince Pompom is listed on Textopian as a short story by Oliver Herford, dated 1907 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: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Poetry, Humor, Fable
- Length: 281 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Prince Pompom 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 Prince Pompom?
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The whimsical narrative and playful language cater to a young audience, making it suitable for children's reading.
- Fantasy — The story features anthropomorphized apples and a prince, creating a fantastical setting that diverges from reality.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetic forms.
- Humor — The playful tone and absurdity of the situation provide comedic elements throughout the narrative.
Tags
Children's Literature · Fiction · Fantasy · Adventure · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Animal Characters · Royal Family · Imagination · Creativity · Morality Tale