Of a National Cash Register
The narrative centers on a shopkeeper who introduces a National Cash Register to his store, symbolizing modernization and the desire to impress customers with efficiency and sophistication. The machine serves as a tool for transparency in transactions, reflecting the shopkeeper's ambition to elevate his business practices. As the story unfolds, the shopkeeper experiences a moral conflict after deriving amusement from another's misfortune, prompting introspection about the implications of his actions. He contemplates the idea of a register that would not only tally monetary transactions but also reveal the true cost of his choices, particularly those that inflict pain on others for personal gain. This internal struggle highlights themes of accountability, the ethics of commerce, and the societal impact of one's actions. The juxtaposition of technological advancement with moral considerations raises questions about the nature of progress and the responsibilities that accompany it. The shopkeeper's journey reflects a broader commentary on human behavior in the face of modernity, urging a reflection on the consequences of one's pursuits in a rapidly changing world.
By Thomas Burke · First published 1916 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Satire, Poetry · 144 words
First lines
Last week this person, desiring to make it known That he was in all ways moving up to the date, Introduced into his insignificant shop A machine-that-counts, Called a National Cash Register, Which announces to refined and intelligent customers The amounts of their purchases.
This week this person purchased a whole days' amusement; And the amount he paid for this was another's discomfiture and pain. And, after a night of cogitation, He is moved to reflect on the far-reaching and wholesome value Of a National Register which would announce to the face The cost of such pleasures as this.
What this Textopian page supports
Of a National Cash Register is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Burke, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas Burke
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Satire, Poetry, Social Commentary, Short Story
- Length: 144 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Of a National Cash Register by Thomas Burke
- 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 Of a National Cash Register?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores themes of modernity and societal change through a personal narrative.
- Satire — The text critiques consumerism and the impact of technology on human interactions.
- Poetry — The writing style employs rhythmic and lyrical elements typical of poetry.
- Social Commentary — The narrative reflects on social issues related to commerce and human behavior.
Tags
finance · economics · business · retail · technology · innovation · history · consumerism · transactions · capitalism · entrepreneurship · industry