The Groom's Story

Name: The Groom's Story
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A groom recounts the story of a thoroughbred horse, initially deemed lackluster and unmotivated, who unexpectedly breaks a speed record. The horse, dignified and contemplative, is owned by a master who, in a moment of weakness, purchases a motor car. The car, a mechanical contraption, becomes a source of frustration for the master when it breaks down in a country lane. In need of assistance, the master enlists the horse to pull the car. As the horse is harnessed, it displays a mix of annoyance and dignity, seemingly questioning the absurdity of its new role. When the master inadvertently activates the car, it begins to move, pushing the horse to run faster. Initially, the horse maintains a dignified pace, but as the car accelerates, it is forced to gallop at an extraordinary speed. The master, overwhelmed by the car's sudden velocity, struggles to control it, leading to a chaotic ride. The horse, now fully engaged, breaks the ten-mile record, achieving a remarkable feat. However, the experience leaves the horse without its tail, a casualty of the car's relentless push. In the aftermath, the master returns to traditional horse racing, abandoning the motor car, having learned a valuable lesson about the capabilities of his horse and the folly of relying on machines. The groom concludes that the horse's true potential was only revealed under unusual circumstances, and the master’s change of heart signifies a return to valuing the horse over mechanical contraptions.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1926 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Narrative · 1,452 words

First lines

Ten mile in twenty minutes! 'E done it, sir. That's true. The big bay 'orse in the further stall-the one wot's next to you. I've seen some better 'orses; I've seldom seen a wuss, But 'e 'olds the bloomin' record, an' that's good enough for us.

We knew as it wa's in 'im. 'E's thoroughbred, three part, We bought 'im for to race 'im, but we found 'e 'ad no 'eart; For 'e was sad and thoughtful, and amazin' dignified, It seemed a kind o' liberty to drive 'im or to ride;

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The Groom's Story is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1926 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1926 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Humor, Narrative, Satire, Animal Fiction
Length: 1,452 words
Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Humor — The narrative employs comedic elements, particularly in the portrayal of the horse and the absurdity of the motor-car situation.
Narrative — The poem tells a story with a clear plot involving a horse, a motor-car, and the groom's perspective.
Satire — The work critiques the rise of motor vehicles over traditional horse riding, highlighting societal changes humorously.