The Bottomless Jug
The Bottomless Jug is a classic children’s story by Sylvanus Cobb Jr. about a poor farmer who discovers a magical jug that never runs out of milk. The farmer is overjoyed at his good fortune and decides to share the jug with his neighbors. But when the neighbors start to take advantage of the farmer’s generosity, he must find a way to keep the jug for himself. With the help of a wise old man, the farmer learns the secret of the bottomless jug and is able to keep it for himself. The story is a timeless tale of generosity, friendship, and the power of kindness.
By Sylvanus Cobb Jr. · First published 1887 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature · 1,426 words
First lines
I saw it hanging up in the kitchen of a thrifty, healthful, sturdy farm in Oxford County, Maine--a bottomless jug! The host saw that the curious thing had caught my eye, and he smiled.
'You are wondering what that jug is hanging up there for, with its bottom knocked out!' he said. 'My wife, perhaps, could tell you the story better than I can; but she is bashful, and I ain't, so I'll tell it.
What this Textopian page supports
The Bottomless Jug is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sylvanus Cobb Jr., dated 1887 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Sylvanus Cobb Jr.
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature, Mystery
- Length: 1,426 words
- Structure: 1 section, 35 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Bottomless Jug by Sylvanus Cobb Jr.
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Bottomless Jug?
- How does this short story by Sylvanus Cobb Jr. fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
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- The Big Drunk Draf by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Fantasy — The Bottomless Jug is a fantasy novel that follows the adventures of a young boy who discovers a magical jug that never runs out of water.
- Adventure — The Bottomless Jug follows the protagonist's journey as he embarks on a thrilling adventure to discover the secrets of the magical jug.
- Children's Literature — The Bottomless Jug is a children's novel written by Sylvanus Cobb Jr. and is suitable for young readers.
- Mystery — The Bottomless Jug is a mystery novel as the protagonist must unravel the secrets of the magical jug and its mysterious powers.
Tags
drama · humor · alcohol · friendship · adventure · society · 19th century · American literature · satire · character study · social commentary · narrative