Cigars for Two by Oliver Optic
The story revolves around Mrs. Washburn, a young wife who is troubled by her husband's smoking habit. Her friend, Mrs. Volant, suggests a scheme to break Mr. Washburn of this habit by having Mrs. Washburn pretend to take up smoking herself. Mrs. Volant shares her own experience of using snuff to deter her husband from smoking, which had been successful. Despite her reservations, Mrs. Washburn decides to try the plan, finding it amusing and hoping it will persuade her husband to quit smoking. Mrs. Washburn buys mild cigars and attempts to smoke in front of her husband, expecting him to be shocked and to plead with her to stop. However, Mr. Washburn is unfazed and even offers her tips on how to light the cigar properly. Her first attempt makes her sick, but Mrs. Volant encourages her to try again, assuring her it won't make her ill the second time. The next evening, with guests present, Mrs. Washburn tries smoking again, but Mr. Washburn remains unperturbed, even suggesting that smoking together is sociable. Realizing her plan has backfired and that she has inadvertently gained a reputation as a smoker, Mrs. Washburn gives up the scheme. Mr. Washburn reveals he overheard the initial conversation about the plan and assures her that he loves her more than smoking. They reconcile, and Mrs. Washburn decides not to press the issue further, allowing Mr. Washburn to continue smoking in peace.
By Oliver Optic · First published 1854 · Genre: Humorous Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Satire · 3 chapters · 2,959 words
First lines
"Smokes, does he? The abominable wretch! " exclaimed Mrs. Volant to her friend, Mrs. Washburn, a young wife who had just gone to housekeeping.
"He smokes, but he is not an abominable wretch -- I am sure he is not," replied Mrs. Washburn, a little startled by the hard name applied to her husband, whom she both loved and esteemed.
What this Textopian page supports
Cigars for Two is listed on Textopian as a short story by Oliver Optic, dated 1854 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 Optic
- Date: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humorous Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Satire, Farce, Social Comedy
- Length: 2,959 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 96 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Cigars for Two by Oliver Optic
- 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
Genres
- Humorous Fiction — The narrative employs witty dialogue and playful mishaps to drive the plot, showcasing a strong emphasis on humor.
- Domestic Fiction — The story centers on marital dynamics and everyday interactions within a household, highlighting domestic life.
- Satire — It mocks social conventions and the absurdities of marital roles through irony and exaggerated character behavior.
- Farce — The exaggerated scenarios and comedic misunderstandings create an over-the-top and amusing tone.
Tags
adventure · youth literature · juvenile fiction · coming-of-age · action-packed · historical fiction · friendship · camaraderie · mystery · thriller · boyhood · maturity