The Secret by Oliver Herford (1908)
The narrative begins with Eve expressing her boredom to the Serpent, who, moved by her plight, shares all he knows. However, Eve remains unimpressed, highlighting a theme of dissatisfaction with the mundane. The text critiques the cyclical nature of novelty, suggesting that both old and new experiences are ultimately similar in their lack of substance. Father Time, personified, offers no insights, reinforcing the idea that the quest for something genuinely new is futile. The mention of historical discoveries, such as artifacts from ancient civilizations, serves to illustrate that what is deemed new often turns out to be a reiteration of the past. Fashion is presented as a prime example of this repetition, where trends are merely recycled ideas. The anecdote of a fool waiting to see how fashions evolve before using his cloth underscores the absurdity of chasing fleeting trends. The text concludes with a commentary on contemporary women, who secretly hoard fine materials, anticipating a time when they can discard their current, less fashionable attire. This hoarding symbolizes a desire for authenticity amidst the superficiality of fashion, suggesting that true individuality is often hidden beneath layers of societal expectation. Overall, the work explores themes of boredom, the cyclical nature of trends, and the tension between authenticity and societal pressures, all while employing humor and wit to critique human behavior.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1908 · Genre: Satire, Philosophical, Humor · 638 words
First lines
Eve was bored. She confided the fact to the Serpent.
"Tell me something new! " she wailed, and the Serpent-he had never seen a lady cry before-was deeply moved (the Serpent has always been misjudged) and-there being no National Board of Censors-told her everything he knew.
What this Textopian page supports
The Secret is listed on Textopian as a short story by Oliver Herford, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Philosophical, Humor, Fantasy, Literary Fiction
- Length: 638 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Secret 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Secret?
- How does this short story by Oliver Herford fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Double Or Nothing by Jack Sharkey
- Misplaced Affections by Guy Boothby
- Her Lovers Step by James Mcintyre
- Barbara by J. M. Barrie
- The Man Of Principle by Ambrose Bierce
- The Reformed Tigress by Oliver Herford
Genres
- Satire — The work critiques societal norms and the cyclical nature of fashion, using humor and irony.
- Philosophical — It explores themes of boredom, the search for novelty, and the nature of time and fashion.
- Humor — The writing employs wit and playful language to convey its messages.
- Fantasy — The inclusion of mythological figures like the Serpent adds a fantastical element.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Mystery · Thriller · Psychological · Drama · Romance · Family · Relationships · Secrets · Lies · Deception