Discipline by Ring Lardner (1920)

Name: Discipline
Author: Ring Lardner

The narrative revolves around a father’s struggle to instill discipline in his child, who exhibits defiance and a strong desire for indulgence, particularly in the form of a doughnut. The father attempts to enforce rules and consequences, illustrating a dynamic of authority and rebellion. The child’s tantrum escalates when denied the treat, prompting the father to respond with a mix of frustration and a desire to teach a lesson. He resorts to isolating the child in a room as a form of punishment, believing that this will instill a sense of remorse. However, upon release, the child’s immediate reaction is to once again express his discontent, demonstrating the cyclical nature of their interaction. The father’s commands are met with resistance, and the child’s behavior highlights the challenges of parenting, particularly in balancing discipline with affection. The father’s attempts to maintain control are met with the child’s innocent yet persistent defiance, leading to a humorous yet poignant exploration of familial relationships and the complexities of teaching discipline. As the narrative progresses, the father reflects on the effectiveness of his methods, questioning whether his approach is too harsh or if the child’s behavior is simply a natural part of growing up. The interplay between authority and rebellion serves as a commentary on the broader themes of childhood, parental expectations, and the struggle for control within the parent-child dynamic. Ultimately, the work captures the essence of parenting challenges, illustrating the delicate balance between enforcing rules and nurturing a child’s spirit. The father’s journey through frustration, reflection, and eventual acceptance of his child’s nature underscores the ongoing negotiation of discipline and love in familial relationships.

By Ring Lardner · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Humor · 179 words

First lines

He couldn't have a doughnut, and it made him very mad; He undertook to get revenge by screaming at his dad.

"Cut out that noise! " I ordered, and he gave another roar, And so I put him in "the room" and shut and locked the door.

I left him in his prison cell two minutes, just about, And, penitent, he smiled at me when I did let him out.

But when he got another look at the forbidden fruit He gave a yell that they could hear in Jacksonville or Butte.

What this Textopian page supports

Discipline is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ring Lardner, dated 1920 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Ring Lardner
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Humor, Drama, Fiction
Length: 179 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work employs rhythmic and structured verse, characteristic of poetry.
Children's Literature — The themes revolve around childhood experiences and parental interactions, appealing to a younger audience.
Humor — The narrative includes comedic elements and absurd situations, typical of humorous writing.
Drama — The emotional conflict between parent and child creates a dramatic tension.