The Devil and the Innkeeper
In a remote inn, an unsuspecting community encounters a mischievous entity who wreaks havoc without recognition. The devil, disguised among them, exploits their ignorance, causing chaos and discord. The innkeeper, observant and shrewd, eventually identifies the source of the disturbances and confronts the devil directly. The innkeeper, armed with a rope, challenges the devil's claim of being unable to do good. The devil, unapologetic, insists that his nature compels him to act malevolently. The innkeeper, however, questions the validity of the devil's excuses, leading to a confrontation that reveals the innkeeper's resolve. In a surprising turn, the innkeeper decides to take drastic action against the devil. He constructs a noose and hangs the devil, asserting control over the situation. This act symbolizes the triumph of human will over malevolent forces, as the innkeeper takes a stand against the chaos that the devil represents. The narrative explores themes of morality, the nature of evil, and the power dynamics between good and evil. The innkeeper's decisive action serves as a commentary on the potential for individuals to confront and overcome malevolent influences in their lives. The story concludes with the innkeeper's assertion of authority, leaving the reader to ponder the implications of his actions and the nature of evil itself.
By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1896 · Genre: Fantasy, Fable, Satire · 205 words
First lines
Once upon a time the devil stayed at an inn, where no one knew him, for they were people whose education had been neglected. He was bent on mischief, and for a time kept everybody by the ears. But at last the innkeeper set a watch upon the devil and took him in the fact.
The innkeeper got a rope's end.
"Now I am going to thrash you," said the innkeeper.
"You have no right to be angry with me," said the devil. "I am only the devil, and it is my nature to do wrong."
What this Textopian page supports
The Devil and the Innkeeper is listed on Textopian as a fable by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Fable, Satire, Dark Comedy, Short Story
- Length: 205 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Devil and the Innkeeper by Robert Louis Stevenson
- 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
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Genres
- Fantasy — The story features supernatural elements, including the character of the devil, which is central to the plot.
- Fable — The narrative conveys a moral lesson through the interaction between the innkeeper and the devil.
- Satire — The story critiques human nature and societal ignorance through the portrayal of the innkeeper and the devil's dialogue.
- Dark Comedy — The humorous yet grim resolution of the devil's fate adds a comedic element to the dark themes.
Tags
devil · innkeeper · mischief · morality · folklore · humor · dark comedy · supernatural · tension · conflict · punishment · education
More by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Treasure Island (1883)
- The Pavilion on the Links (1909)
- Olalla (1885)
- A Child's Garden of Verses (1885)
- Father Damien, An Open Letter To The Reverend Doctor Hyde Of Honolulu (1914)
- A Lowden Sabbath Morn (1916)
- Songs of Travel and Other Verses (1908)
- Prayers Written At Vailima (1916)
- All works by Robert Louis Stevenson