A Week's Work Well Done
The narrative follows a man's experiences over a week after marrying. Each day presents a new challenge with his wife, who quickly reveals her scolding nature. On Monday, he expresses optimism about married life, but by Tuesday, he is overwhelmed by her incessant nagging. In an attempt to appease her, he ventures into the woods on Wednesday to gather a holly twig, intending to use it as a corrective tool. However, his efforts on Thursday to discipline her backfire, leading to further discord. By Friday, the man's frustration peaks, and he chooses to ignore her complaints. The situation escalates on Saturday when a supernatural entity, referred to as a Bogie, arrives and takes his wife away, leaving him in a state of relief. On Sunday, he enjoys a peaceful meal without her, celebrating the end of a tumultuous week. The work employs humor and a light-hearted tone to critique the challenges of marriage, ultimately suggesting that freedom from a nagging spouse can be a welcome reprieve.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1898 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Folk Literature · 382 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. On Monday morn I married a wife, I thought to live a sober life. As it fell out I were better dead, Than mark the time when I was wed. Laddy-heigh-ho! Laddy-heigh-ho! Fal-de-ral-li-do! Laddy-heigh-ho!
What this Textopian page supports
A Week's Work Well Done is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Folk Literature, Narrative, Satire
- Length: 382 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Week's Work Well Done by Sabine Baring-Gould
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Week's Work Well Done?
- How does this short story by Sabine Baring-Gould fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse with rhythmic and lyrical qualities, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The content employs satire and comedic elements to depict the trials of marriage.
- Folk Literature — The themes and style reflect traditional folk narratives and songs.
- Narrative — The piece tells a story over the course of a week, following a clear narrative arc.
Tags
humor · marriage · domestic life · satire · poetry · narrative · folk song · traditional · Scottish · life lessons · relationships · scolding