The Grocery Man and the Bear

Name: The Grocery Man and the Bear
Author: Ring Lardner

A young boy grows disenchanted with his usual pastimes, including books, toys, and games. In an attempt to engage him, a storyteller creates a whimsical and absurd narrative about a grocery man and a bear. The story, initially dismissed by the storyteller, unexpectedly captivates the boy, leading to repeated requests for its retelling. The tale becomes a favorite, overshadowing all other stories and activities, and is recounted numerous times, much to the storyteller's surprise. The narrative explores themes of imagination, the bond between storyteller and listener, and the power of a simple tale to enchant and entertain. The grocery man and the bear embark on a series of humorous and fantastical adventures, showcasing the absurdity of their situations and the charm of their interactions. The boy's fascination with the story highlights the joy of storytelling and the unique connection it fosters between the narrator and the audience. The grocery man, characterized by his mundane profession, contrasts with the wild and unpredictable nature of the bear, creating a dynamic that drives the narrative forward. The story's popularity reflects the universal appeal of whimsical tales and the importance of creativity in childhood. Ultimately, the work serves as a celebration of storytelling's ability to capture the imagination and provide comfort and joy in the simplest of forms.

By Ring Lardner · First published 1916 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Humor · 274 words

First lines

He was weary of all of his usual joys; His books and his blocks made him tired, And so did his games and mechanical toys, And the songs he had always admired; So I told him a story, a story so new It had never been heard anywhere; A tale disconnected, unlikely, untrue, Called The Grocery Man and the Bear.

I didn't think much of the story despite The fact 'twas a child of my brain.

And I never dreamt, when I told it that night, That I'd have to tell it again; I never imagined 'twould make such a hit With the audience of one that was there That for hours at a time he would quietly sit Through The Grocery Man and the Bear.

What this Textopian page supports

The Grocery Man and the Bear is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ring Lardner, dated 1916 CE.

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

Work type: Poem
Author: Ring Lardner
Date: 1916 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Humor, Poetry, Fiction
Length: 274 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Grocery Man and the Bear by Ring Lardner
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The narrative is aimed at a young audience, featuring whimsical elements and a simple, engaging story.
Fantasy — The story includes fantastical elements, such as a bear interacting with a grocery man, which is not grounded in reality.
Humor — The playful tone and absurdity of the plot contribute to a humorous reading experience.
Poetry — The work employs a rhythmic and lyrical style, resembling poetic storytelling.