The Drug-Shop, or, Endymion in Edmonstoun
The narrative unfolds in a desolate landscape where a fisherman, disheartened by his meager catch, discovers an ancient jar entangled in his net. Upon opening it, he releases a powerful genie who offers him a choice: sing a brave song to earn his freedom or find a task that the genie cannot accomplish. The fisherman, initially fearful, sings a passionate song that reflects on love, war, and the nature of existence, ultimately expressing a longing for a lost love. The genie, impressed by the fisherman's song, declares that his task is complete. However, the fisherman, still yearning for his beloved, pleads for a task that will lead him to her. The genie, amused, grants him this wish, and a golden boat appears, bringing forth a beautiful princess. The fisherman recognizes her as the embodiment of his desires and realizes that no treasure could compare to her beauty. As they embark on a journey together, the genie vanishes, leaving the fisherman and the princess to navigate the waters of love and longing. The scene shifts to a drug shop, where the narrator reflects on the various substances and their effects, drawing parallels between the intoxicating allure of drugs and the enchanting power of love. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and loss, as the narrator contemplates the fleeting nature of beauty and desire. The work explores themes of love, desire, and the search for meaning in a world filled with distractions and illusions. The fisherman’s journey symbolizes the quest for true fulfillment, contrasting the ephemeral pleasures of life with the enduring power of love. The narrative ultimately suggests that while material pursuits may offer temporary satisfaction, it is the deeper connections and experiences that truly enrich the human experience.
By Stephen Vincent Benet · First published 1934 · Genre: Fantasy, Poetry, Romance · 4,610 words
First lines
Night falls; the great jars glow against the dark, Dark green, dusk red, and, like a coiling snake, Writhing eternally in smoky gyres, Great ropes of gorgeous vapor twist and turn Within them. So the Eastern fisherman Saw the swart genie rise when the lead seal, Scribbled with charms, was lifted from the jar; And -- well, how went the tale? Like this, like this? .
No herbage broke the barren flats of land, No winds dared loiter within smiling trees, Nor were there any brooks on either hand, Only the dry, bright sand, Naked and golden, lay before the seas.
What this Textopian page supports
The Drug-Shop, or, Endymion in Edmonstoun is listed on Textopian as a novel by Stephen Vincent Benet, dated 1934 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Stephen Vincent Benet
- Date: 1934 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Poetry, Romance, Adventure, Allegory
- Length: 4,610 words
- Structure: 1 section, 124 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Drug-Shop, or, Endymion in Edmonstoun by Stephen Vincent Benet
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Drug-Shop, or, Endymion in Edmonstoun?
- How does this novel by Stephen Vincent Benet fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Fantasy — The presence of a genie and magical elements throughout the narrative establishes a strong fantasy genre.
- Poetry — The lyrical and rhythmic quality of the writing, along with the use of verse, aligns it closely with poetic forms.
- Romance — Themes of love and desire are central to the plot, particularly in the interactions between the fisherman and the princess.
- Adventure — The quest for a task and the journey of the fisherman embody elements of adventure.
Tags
drugs · addiction · society · urban · fantasy · mythology · Endymion · Edmonstoun · narrative · poetry · allegory · struggle