The Heckuses by Ring Lardner (1920)
A family is anticipated for dinner, but the narrator expresses skepticism about their existence, suspecting they may be a figment of their child's imagination. The child insists on the family's reality, detailing their ownership of a large black automobile and their downtown jobs. The family consists of four members: the elderly Mrs. Heckus, Baby Heckus, a boy named Tom, and Bill, the father. The narrator's uncertainty about the family's characteristics and the peculiar name adds to the intrigue. The narrative unfolds through the lens of the narrator's thoughts, blending humor and curiosity about the Heckus family, while highlighting the child's unwavering belief in their arrival. The story explores themes of imagination, belief, and the dynamics of family expectations.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1920 · Genre: Humor, Social Commentary, Poetry · 227 words
First lines
That may not be the proper way To spell their name; I cannot say.
I've never seen 'em written out: I've only heard 'em talked about.
They're coming here tonight to dine, So says that little son of mine.
But all last week, 'twas just the same; They were to come, and never came.
What this Textopian page supports
The Heckuses 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: Humor, Social Commentary, Poetry, Family, Fantasy
- Length: 227 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Heckuses by Ring Lardner
- 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 The Heckuses?
- How does this short story by Ring Lardner fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Inexpensive Guests by Ring Lardner
- Major A A Sprague by Ring Lardner
- The Phantom Sister by Ring Lardner
- Jacob Miller by Ring Lardner
- Capt Orlando F Scott by Ring Lardner
- Lt Col N M Percy by Ring Lardner
Genres
- Humor — The poem employs wit and playful language to explore the absurdity of the Heckus family's existence.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on societal perceptions and the nature of belief, particularly through the lens of childhood imagination.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhythm and rhyme to convey its themes.
- Family — The narrative centers around familial relationships and the child's perspective on family dynamics.
Tags
fiction · humor · family · dinner · skepticism · imagination · childhood · myth · narrative · poetry · social commentary · character study