Jane, Jane, don't Complain!

Name: Jane, Jane, don't Complain!
Author: Parker Fillmore

A lazy couple, Jenny and her husband, lament their poverty and blame Adam and Eve for their misfortunes. One day, the King overhears their complaints and decides to teach them a lesson. He offers them a life of luxury in exchange for their obedience to one rule: they must never lift the cover of a silver dish. Initially, they enjoy their new life, but as time passes, their curiosity grows. Jenny, dissatisfied with the food, eventually lifts the cover, releasing a mouse. The King, having heard the commotion, confronts them. He holds them both accountable for breaking the rule, stripping them of their fine clothes and returning them to their previous state. The King admonishes them not to blame others for their own failures. The story illustrates themes of responsibility, the consequences of disobedience, and the futility of complaining without taking action.

By Parker Fillmore · First published 1934 · Genre: Fable, Fantasy, Satire · 1,189 words

First lines

There was once a man who was poor and lazy and he had a wife who was even worse. Her name was Jenny. Jenny was so lazy that it was an effort for her to lift one foot after the other. And in addition to her laziness she was an everlasting complainer. "Oh! " she used to grunt in the morning, "I wish we didn't have to get up! " and "Oh! " she used to groan at night, "I wish we didn't have to take our shoes off before going to bed!"

One day when they were both out in the forest collecting faggots, Jenny said:

What this Textopian page supports

Jane, Jane, don't Complain! is listed on Textopian as a short story by Parker Fillmore, dated 1934 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Parker Fillmore
Date: 1934 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fable, Fantasy, Satire, Children's Literature, Comedy
Length: 1,189 words
Structure: 1 section, 28 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Jane, Jane, don't Complain! by Parker Fillmore
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fable — The story conveys a moral lesson through anthropomorphized characters and a simple narrative structure.
Fantasy — The presence of a king, magical elements, and a transformation of circumstances places the story in a fantastical setting.
Satire — The narrative critiques laziness and complaining, using humor to highlight societal attitudes towards work and responsibility.
Children's Literature — The straightforward plot and moral lesson make it suitable for a young audience.