Danger Cliff, and Other Stories: Danger Cliff
"Danger Cliff, and Other Stories" by Pansy is a collection of moral tales, with "Danger Cliff" serving as a cautionary story about the perils of flirting with danger. The narrative begins with a wealthy gentleman who frequently takes his family on carriage rides. The coachman, seeking to demonstrate his skill, dangerously drives close to a chasm known as Danger Cliff. Despite his intentions, he eventually falls victim to the abyss, though the family survives. The gentleman then seeks a new coachman, rejecting those who boast about driving close to the edge. He hires the one who prioritizes safety and avoids risks. The story serves as an allegory, warning against the temptation to engage in risky behaviors, such as drinking or associating with bad influences, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance from potential dangers.
By Pansy · First published 1884 · Genre: Parable, Allegory, Didactic Fiction · 750 words
First lines
THERE was once a gentleman, it is said, who was very wealthy. He had a large family of beautiful children; and he loved his wife and sons and daughters very dearly; and daily he would have his coachman take them out to ride.
Away they would go through country and city, and forest and park. But near one of the pleasant rides there was a deep chasm, and its sides were rocky and steep, so that to go too near it would be almost certain death.
What this Textopian page supports
Danger Cliff, and Other Stories: Danger Cliff is listed on Textopian as a short story by Pansy, dated 1884 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Pansy
- Date: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Parable, Allegory, Didactic Fiction, Fable, Children's Literature
- Length: 750 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Danger Cliff, and Other Stories: Danger Cliff by Pansy
- 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
- Parable — A succinct narrative that conveys a moral lesson about caution and moderation through metaphorical situations.
- Allegory — Symbolic elements such as Danger Cliff represent broader life risks and principles.
- Didactic Fiction — The story is intended to instruct readers on moral values and prudent behavior.
- Fable — Its moralistic and concise storytelling style is reminiscent of traditional fables.
Tags
short stories · fiction · anthology · thriller · suspense · adventure · mystery · drama · literary · narrative · dark · psychological