The Fugitive Thought
The narrative follows a speaker who experiences a moment of inspiration late at night, discovering what he believes to be a brilliant thought. However, as he attempts to capture this thought on paper, he realizes that his pencil has gone missing. The speaker embarks on a frantic search throughout his surroundings, turning over books, emptying pockets, and even shaking furniture in a desperate attempt to find the writing instrument. Despite his efforts, the pencil remains elusive, leading to increasing frustration and agitation. He tries to maintain composure but ultimately succumbs to a fit of rage, expressing his exasperation through uncharacteristic language. In a moment of realization, he discovers the pencil resting on his ear, but the thought he sought to write down has vanished, leaving him in despair. The speaker laments the loss of his idea, recognizing that it may now reside in the mind of another person. He expresses indignation towards anyone who might claim the thought as their own, branding them as plagiarists. The work concludes with the speaker asserting that he will recognize his thought if he hears it again, emphasizing the uniqueness of his original inspiration. The piece explores themes of creativity, frustration, and the fleeting nature of inspiration, highlighting the struggle of capturing thoughts before they slip away.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Literary Fiction · 526 words
First lines
When scribbling late one night I happened to alight On the happiest thought I'd thought For many a year.
I hailed it with delight But ere I'd time to write My pencil had contrived To disappear.
What this Textopian page supports
The Fugitive Thought 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, Literary Fiction, Satire, Narrative
- Length: 526 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Fugitive Thought by Oliver Herford
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Humor — The poem uses comedic elements and absurdity in the speaker's frantic search for a lost thought.
- Literary Fiction — The themes of creativity, frustration, and the fleeting nature of inspiration are explored in a reflective manner.
- Satire — The poem satirizes the struggles of writers and the nature of originality in thought.
Tags
Philosophical · Poetic · Satirical · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · Existentialism · Absurdism · Psychological Insight · Intellectual Humor · Cerebral Puzzles · Moral Dilemmas · Free Will vs Determinism