The Mouse by Oliver Herford (1910)
The narrative unfolds in a drawing-room where Clarissa, a young woman, is in a state of panic upon encountering a mouse. The mouse, however, is not an ordinary creature; it possesses a refined demeanor and a penchant for eloquence. It reassures Clarissa, expressing its noble intentions and a desire to protect her from any potential harm. As the mouse speaks, it reveals its lineage, claiming descent from a legendary mouse that once inspired a mountain. This self-aggrandizing tale serves to elevate its status and charm Clarissa, who remains terrified. The mouse admires Clarissa's beauty, particularly her delicate features, and engages in whimsical banter, comparing her attributes to food items, which adds a layer of humor to the situation. Clarissa's fear escalates as she hears the sound of a cat, Purrline, approaching. The mouse, intrigued by the prospect of meeting the cat, decides to leave, prioritizing its own safety over Clarissa's distress. The exchange highlights the absurdity of the situation, with the mouse's bravado contrasting sharply with Clarissa's vulnerability. The scene concludes with Clarissa expressing her frustration at the mouse's departure, emphasizing her relief that the encounter ended without disaster. The interplay between the characters showcases themes of bravery, vanity, and the absurdity of social hierarchies, all wrapped in a lighthearted, comedic tone.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Drama · 805 words
First lines
A Study in Egotisms
_Scene: A drawing-room.
Similar titles
- The Porcupine by Hilaire Belloc
- The Scorpion by Hilaire Belloc
- The Camel by Hilaire Belloc
- The Terrible Dog Fish by Carlo Collodi
- The Elf The Dormouse by Oliver Herford
- The Deceitful Dormice by Oliver Herford
Genres
- Comedy — The dialogue and situations are humorous, showcasing wit and playful banter between characters.
- Fantasy — The anthropomorphism of the mouse and its noble demeanor introduces fantastical elements.
- Drama — The tension and emotional responses of Clarissa create a dramatic atmosphere.
- Children's Literature — The light-hearted nature and whimsical characters appeal to a younger audience.
Tags
Fable · Satire · Humor · Animal Fiction · Children's Literature · Poetry · Rhyme · Whimsy · Fantasy · Adventure · Moral Lesson · Social Commentary
What this Textopian page supports
The Mouse 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: Comedy, Fantasy, Drama, Children's Literature, Poetry
- Length: 805 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Mouse by Oliver Herford
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph