A Fountain, a Bottle, a Donkey's Ears and some B

Name: A Fountain, a Bottle, a Donkey's Ears and some Books
Author: Robert Frost

The narrative follows an interaction between two characters, one of whom is an old guide named Davis. The story begins with Davis discussing a mica mountain he owns, which he believes will bring him fortune. He reminisces about a stone baptismal font built by early Mormons, prompting a quest to find it. The younger character insists on visiting the site, leading to a day of exploration in nature. As they journey, they encounter various landmarks, including a cliff with a painted bottle, which Davis presents as a notable sight, though the younger character remains unsatisfied, insisting on finding the fountain. Their dialogue reveals a contrast between Davis's appreciation for nature and the younger character's preference for books. They eventually discover a deserted house that belonged to the Robinson family, specifically Clara Robinson, a poetess who wrote about her life from her bed. Inside, they find a trove of her unsold books, which have been left untouched despite the house's decay. The scene highlights the relationship between literature and life, as the characters reflect on the value of the written word amidst the remnants of the poetess's existence. Davis encourages the younger character to take some books, leading to a moment of connection with the poetess's work. The act of selecting a book symbolizes a deeper engagement with literature, contrasting the physical decay of the house with the enduring nature of poetry. The story concludes with the younger character feeling a sense of fulfillment from acquiring a book, suggesting a lingering impact of the poetess's life and work. The narrative explores themes of memory, the passage of time, and the significance of literature in preserving human experience.

By Robert Frost · First published 1964 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Poetry, Adventure · 1,584 words

First lines

Old Davis owned a solid mica mountain In Dalton that would some day make his fortune.

There'd been some Boston people out to see it: And experts said that deep down in the mountain The mica sheets were big as plate glass windows.

What this Textopian page supports

A Fountain, a Bottle, a Donkey's Ears and some Books is listed on Textopian as a novella by Robert Frost, dated 1964 CE.

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

Work type: Novella
Author: Robert Frost
Date: 1964 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Poetry, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
Length: 1,584 words
Structure: 1 section, 79 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for A Fountain, a Bottle, a Donkey's Ears and some Books by Robert Frost
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering A Fountain, a Bottle, a Donkey's Ears and some Books?
How does this novella by Robert Frost fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of nature, memory, and the human experience, characteristic of literary fiction.
Poetry — The writing style incorporates poetic elements, including rhythm and imagery, reflecting Frost's background as a poet.
Adventure — The plot involves a journey and exploration, highlighting the characters' quest to find the fountain.
Historical Fiction — The story references historical elements, such as the early Mormons and their settlement, grounding it in a specific time and place.