The Bronze Parrot
The narrative follows the Reverend Deodatus Jawley, a small and unassuming curate, as he embarks on a series of errands in the village of Bobham. His mundane tasks, assigned by the rector's wife, lead him to the town of Dilbury, where he encounters various characters and experiences a mix of humorous and chaotic events. During his visit to the docks, he discovers a small bronze parrot, which he finds charming and decides to keep. This seemingly trivial object becomes the catalyst for a transformation in his character. After a series of amusing incidents, including a confrontation with a drunken soldier and a mishap involving a whelk stall, Jawley returns home with the parrot and a cardboard box filled with various items. That night, the parrot mysteriously begins to chant a phrase in a deep voice, which captivates Jawley but eventually annoys him, leading to a humorous outburst. The next morning, he exhibits a drastic change in demeanor, displaying aggression and a lack of decorum that astonishes the rector and his wife. His newfound assertiveness earns him respect and fear from the villagers, who begin to treat him with a mix of reverence and caution. As days pass, Jawley's reputation grows, and he becomes a figure of authority in the village. However, he remains attached to the parrot, which he later learns is a valuable artifact. When he sees a reward for its return in the newspaper, he decides to sell it, despite his fondness for it. This transaction further solidifies his status, as he returns to the village with gifts for the children and a generous spirit. Ultimately, Jawley's transformation leads to a change in his relationship with Miss Dorcas Shipton, who admires his newfound confidence. Their relationship blossoms, culminating in their marriage. The story concludes with Jawley embracing his role as a respected member of the community, now walking amidst flowers and sunshine, with the parrot's history revealed as a significant cultural artifact from the Ashanti people. The tale explores themes of identity, transformation, and the impact of seemingly trivial objects on one's life.
By R. Austin Freeman · First published 1924 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Humor, Mystery · 6,213 words
First lines
THE Reverend Deodatus Jawley had just sat down to the gate-legged table on which lunch was spread and had knocked his knee, according to his invariable custom, against the sharp corner of the seventh leg.
"I wish you would endeavour to be more careful, Mr. Jawley," said the rector's wife. "You nearly upset the mustard-pot and these jars are exceedingly bad for the leg."
What this Textopian page supports
The Bronze Parrot is listed on Textopian as a short story by R. Austin Freeman, dated 1924 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: R. Austin Freeman
- Date: 1924 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Humor, Mystery, Social Commentary, Adventure
- Length: 6,213 words
- Structure: 1 section, 101 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Bronze Parrot by R. Austin Freeman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Bronze Parrot?
- How does this short story by R. Austin Freeman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores character development, social interactions, and moral themes through the life of a curate.
- Humor — The narrative employs comedic elements, particularly through the protagonist's misadventures and misunderstandings.
- Mystery — The discovery of the bronze parrot and its significance introduces an element of intrigue and curiosity.
- Social Commentary — The story reflects on societal norms, class distinctions, and the behavior of the village community.
Tags
mystery · detective · crime · thriller · suspense · investigation · whodunit · fiction · literature · 20th century · British · plot twist