Guess Again by Ring Lardner (1931)
The narrative explores the dynamic between a father and his child, highlighting the father's internal conflict as he balances his responsibilities with the desire to engage with his child. The father initially attempts to focus on his work but is drawn into the child's world, reflecting on the futility of resisting the child's wishes. The poem captures the essence of parental love, the struggle between duty and play, and the realization that the child's needs often take precedence over adult obligations. The father's acceptance of this reality leads to a deeper understanding of the joy found in shared moments, despite the interruptions to his work. The work ultimately emphasizes the importance of connection and the value of prioritizing relationships over tasks.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1931 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Humor · 147 words
First lines
"I guess I'll help you, daddy."
And daddy can't say "No;"
For if he did, 'twould wound you, kid, And cause the tears to flow.
"I guess I'll help you, daddy."
What this Textopian page supports
Guess Again is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ring Lardner, dated 1931 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: 1931 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature
- Length: 147 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Guess Again by Ring Lardner
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on rhythm and emotional expression.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore familial relationships and the complexities of parental responsibilities, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Humor — The tone and content suggest a humorous take on the challenges of parenting and communication.
- Children's Literature — The dialogue and themes are relatable to children, reflecting their perspectives and interactions with parents.
Tags
parenting · childhood · family · relationships · emotional · humor · poetry · dialogue · playfulness · responsibility · communication · imagination