Van Bibber's Burglar
The narrative follows a character who, after a night out, finds himself in an unexpected situation. After attending a boxing match, he and his companions visit a late-night diner. During their conversation, a reporter expresses skepticism about the existence of true adventure in the city, claiming that all experiences can be explained by crime or poverty. As dawn breaks, the protagonist walks home and notices a suspicious door opening briefly, prompting his curiosity. He investigates and discovers a burglar, armed and in the act of robbing a house. Instead of fleeing or calling the police, he confronts the burglar, who reveals a desperate backstory of having just been released from prison and seeking money to reunite with his family. The burglar's hopelessness and plea for mercy resonate with the protagonist, who ultimately decides to let him go rather than turn him in. He provides the burglar with a train ticket to reunite with his family, despite the risk of the burglar returning to crime. The story concludes with the protagonist reflecting on his decision, feeling a mix of guilt and satisfaction as he returns to his daily life, pondering the complexities of morality and redemption.
By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Drama · 3,535 words
First lines
There had been a dance up town, but as Van Bibber could not find Her there, he accepted young Travers's suggestion to go over to Jersey City and see a "go" between "Dutchy" Mack and a colored person professionally known as the Black Diamond. They covered up all signs of their evening dress with their great-coats, and filled their pockets with cigars, for the smoke which surrounds a "go" is trying to sensitive nostrils, and they also fastened their watches to both key-chains. Alf Alpin, who was acting as master of ceremonies, was greatly pleased and flattered at their coming, and boisterously insisted on their sitting on the platform. The fact was generally circulated among the spectators that the "two gents in high hats" had come in a carriage, and this and their patent-leather boots made them objects of keen interest. It was even whispered that they were the "parties" who were putting up the money to back the Black Diamond against the "Hester Street Jackson. " This in itself entitled them to respect. Van Bibber was asked to hold the watch, but he wisely declined the honor, which was given to Andy Spielman, the sporting reporter of the _Track and Ring_, whose watch-case was covered with diamonds, and was just the sort of a watch a timekeeper should hold.
What this Textopian page supports
Van Bibber's Burglar is listed on Textopian as a short story by Richard Harding Davis, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Richard Harding Davis
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Adventure
- Length: 3,535 words
- Structure: 1 section, 33 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Van Bibber's Burglar by Richard Harding Davis
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Van Bibber's Burglar?
- How does this short story by Richard Harding Davis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Episodes In Van Bibbers Life by Richard Harding Davis
- Amateur Night by Jack London
- The Hiding Of Black Bill by O. Henry
- Cabbages And Kings by O. Henry
- The Coming Out Of Maggie by O. Henry
- At Arms With Morpheus by O. Henry
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of morality, societal norms, and human experience, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Crime Fiction — The plot centers around a burglary and the interactions between a burglar and a civilian, fitting the crime genre.
- Drama — The story contains dramatic elements, focusing on character development and emotional conflict.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal issues such as crime, poverty, and the justice system, reflecting social commentary.
Tags
Adventure · Comedy · Crime · Humor · Mystery · Satire · Social commentary · American literature · 19th century fiction · Short story collection · Literary satire · Social satire