A Good Play

Name: A Good Play
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The narrative unfolds in a child's imaginative world, where a ship is constructed from household items, specifically back-bedroom chairs and sofa pillows. This vessel serves as a vehicle for adventure, allowing the children to embark on a sailing journey filled with creativity and play. The characters, primarily two boys, engage in a series of playful activities, showcasing their innocence and the boundless nature of childhood imagination. As they navigate their make-believe ocean, they bring along provisions, including an apple and a slice of cake, emphasizing the simplicity and joy of their adventure. The story captures the essence of childhood camaraderie and the thrill of exploration, as the boys sail for what feels like an eternity, reveling in their shared experiences. However, the narrative takes a turn when one of the boys, Tom, falls and injures his knee, leading to a poignant moment of solitude for the remaining child. This incident serves as a metaphor for the fragility of childhood joy and the inevitable interruptions that come with growing up. The playful journey, once filled with laughter and companionship, is now tinged with a sense of loss and loneliness. The work encapsulates the themes of imagination, friendship, and the bittersweet nature of childhood, illustrating how play can transport children to fantastical realms while also highlighting the vulnerabilities that accompany such adventures. The transition from a shared experience to a solitary one reflects the complexities of growing up, where joy and sorrow often coexist. The narrative ultimately serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of childhood and the importance of cherishing those moments of play and connection.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1882 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Adventure · 144 words

First lines

We built a ship upon the stairs All made of the back-bedroom chairs, And filled it full of sofa pillows To go a-sailing on the billows.

We took a saw and several nails, And water in the nursery pails; And Tom said, "Let us also take An apple and a slice of cake; " -- Which was enough for Tom and me To go a-sailing on, till tea.

We sailed along for days and days, And had the very best of plays; But Tom fell out and hurt his knee, So there was no one left but me.

What this Textopian page supports

A Good Play is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1882 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1882 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Adventure, Fantasy, Coming-of-Age
Length: 144 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for A Good Play by Robert Louis Stevenson
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering A Good Play?
How does this short story by Robert Louis Stevenson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The poem's playful tone and imaginative themes cater specifically to a young audience.
Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and rhythm typical of poetic forms.
Adventure — The narrative involves imaginative play and exploration, embodying the spirit of adventure.
Fantasy — The creation of a ship from household items reflects elements of fantasy and imagination.