One Service Breeds Another
The narrative explores the theme of altruism and the complexities of human relationships through the actions of Bill Hawkins, who saves a drowning man. This act of heroism leads to an unexpected dynamic between the two men. Bill, motivated by a sense of duty and perhaps a desire for connection, continues to offer assistance to the man he saved. However, the rescued individual responds with disdain, highlighting the often unreciprocated nature of kindness. As the story unfolds, it delves into the broader implications of service and obligation. Bill's continued efforts to help are met with indifference, illustrating the disconnect that can occur between the giver and the receiver of help. The narrative reflects on the idea that acts of service can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, where the recipient may feel burdened rather than grateful. The text also touches on the societal expectations surrounding service, suggesting that individuals often serve without recognition or reward. This theme is reinforced through various examples, such as the selflessness of a mother or the loyalty of a soldier, emphasizing that service is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, yet it can be fraught with misunderstanding and lack of appreciation. Ultimately, the work presents a poignant commentary on the nature of service, the expectations that accompany it, and the emotional complexities that arise when one person's act of kindness is met with rejection or disdain. The relationship between Bill and the rescued man serves as a microcosm for the broader human experience, illustrating the challenges of connection and the often unacknowledged sacrifices made in the name of service.
By Thomas Burke · First published 1920 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary · 170 words
First lines
One of this person's white-skinned friends, Bill Hawkins, Who labours at the waterside, Had occasion, at the time of unkind weather, To rescue from the certain peril of drowning One who had slipped from the edge of a wharf to the dock.
Without reward the flower serves the bee. The mother serves the child with pain and toil. The soldier serves his king without king's gratitutde. And this person has noted with much private amusement, How, since this one service rendered, Bill Hawkins goes ever from his accustomed path To add service to service to the one he rescued; While the rescued one looks ever upon Bill Hawkins With eyes of no-approval, indeed, with intense disgust.
What this Textopian page supports
One Service Breeds Another is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Burke, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Short Story, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 170 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for One Service Breeds Another by Thomas Burke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering One Service Breeds Another?
- How does this short story by Thomas Burke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Together by Norman Douglas
- The Beggar Man by Charles Lamb
- Helpfulness by Gelett Burgess
- Generosity by Gelett Burgess
- Getting Acquainted by Gelett Burgess
- The Good Samaritan by Charles Kingsley
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex human relationships and moral themes, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Drama — The narrative involves interpersonal conflict and emotional depth, typical of dramatic storytelling.
- Social Commentary — The work reflects on societal roles and the nature of service, providing insight into social dynamics.
- Short Story — The concise format and focused narrative suggest it fits within the short story genre.
Tags
service · community · relationships · human connection · support · reciprocity · kindness · helpfulness · social dynamics · interdependence · altruism · collaboration