How Hefty Burke Got Even
Hefty Burke, a robust ice-wagon driver, seeks revenge against a policeman named McCluire, who unjustly clubbed him. After escaping to the mainland by swimming the East River, Hefty becomes involved with an artist, Mr. Carstairs, who hires him to pose as a knight in a historical painting. The suit of armor Hefty wears, once belonging to the Marquis de Neuville, fascinates him, despite his initial disdain for its impracticality in battle. As New Year's approaches, Hefty plans to attend a masquerade ball, hoping to impress his fiancée, Miss Casey. He contemplates various costumes but ultimately decides to wear the heavy armor, believing it will secure him a prize at the event. Carstairs, planning to be away for the holiday, entrusts Hefty with the studio, allowing him to take the armor to the ball without permission. On the night of the event, Hefty arrives in the armor, drawing awe from the crowd. He confidently declares himself the Black Knight, challenging McCluire, who is also present. The ball begins, and Hefty enjoys the attention, believing he will win two prizes. However, when the judges announce the winners, Hefty is awarded the second prize and the prize for originality, while the first prize goes to another contestant. Tensions rise when a disgruntled masker confronts Hefty, leading to a confrontation. McCluire intervenes, and Hefty is forcibly escorted out by the police. In a moment of desperation, Hefty retaliates against the officers, using the weight of his armor to his advantage. A chaotic brawl ensues, with the crowd supporting Hefty against the police. Ultimately, Hefty escapes in a cab, feeling triumphant over McCluire. He reflects on his actions, realizing he may face consequences if his identity as the Black Knight is revealed. Despite the chaos, Hefty feels satisfied with his revenge and the excitement of the night, contemplating the prizes he might have to forfeit to avoid trouble.
By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1903 · Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Drama · 3,495 words
First lines
Hefty Burke was once clubbed by a policeman named McCluire, who excused the clubbing to his Honor by swearing that Hefty had been drunk and disorderly, which was not true. Hefty got away from the Island by swimming the East River, and swore to get even with the policeman. This story tells how he got even.
What this Textopian page supports
How Hefty Burke Got Even is listed on Textopian as a short story by Richard Harding Davis, dated 1903 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Richard Harding Davis
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Adventure, Drama, Romance, Historical Fiction
- Length: 3,495 words
- Structure: 1 section, 37 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for How Hefty Burke Got Even by Richard Harding Davis
- 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 How Hefty Burke Got Even?
- How does this short story by Richard Harding Davis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Comedy — The story employs humor through Hefty's misadventures and misunderstandings, particularly in his interactions with the police and his costume.
- Adventure — Hefty's journey involves elements of physical challenge and conflict, particularly in his quest for revenge against the policeman.
- Drama — The narrative explores themes of social class, identity, and personal conflict, particularly in Hefty's desire to impress Miss Casey.
- Romance — Hefty's motivations are partly driven by his feelings for Miss Casey, adding a romantic subplot to the story.
Tags
Adventure · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · American Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Novel · Comedy of Manners · Class Satire · Gilded Age · Upper Class · Social Hierarchy