Husbandry by W.W. Jacobs (1900)
A former seaman turned night-watchman narrates, in a humorous and gritty dialect, a chaotic evening at the wharf that spirals into a farcical case of mistaken identity and domestic turmoil. Early on, the narrator reflects on the differences between dealing with men and women, remarking on the more volatile nature of women when frustrated—a theme that sets the tone for the unfolding events. While on duty, he encounters a middle‐aged woman who persistently calls him “Bill” and clings to the mistaken belief that he is her long‐lost husband. Her emotional outbursts and insistence trigger a crowd gathering outside the gate, including an unruly potman, a surly skipper, a couple of draymen, and other local characters. The situation intensifies when details of marital fidelity and past relationships emerge. The woman claims that her husband abandoned her years ago and that she has waited for his return, only to find him now engaged with another. The confrontation escalates as the companions demand proof of the supposed marital connection. When the woman identifies a mermaid tattoo—one shared by many sailors—as evidence, the narrator’s own identity is superficially confirmed, despite his protestations. As the mob pressures him and the situation becomes increasingly absurd, he attempts to defuse the moment but is instead drawn into physical conflict. A brawl ensues, resulting in personal injuries and further confusion over his true marital status. The absurdity is compounded by the arrival of the police, whose intervention momentarily disperses the gathering but leaves the narrator burdened with an unwanted reputation. Later, when he finally returns home, his real wife confronts him about his association with the intruder. A tense, farcical domestic dispute breaks out as the impostor, still claiming him as her husband, and his actual wife engage in a bitter exchange. Accusations fly regarding fidelity and the proper order of their lives, with both the woman claiming to be his wife and his true spouse stubbornly defending their marital bond. Throughout, the narrative satirizes the institution of marriage and the unpredictable nature of human emotions. The chaotic interplay of mistaken identities, physical altercations, and social commentary is rendered in a robust, working‐class idiom, highlighting the absurdity of traditional gender roles and the complications of personal relationships in a close-knit maritime community. In the end, while external interventions momentarily restore order, the episodic debacle leaves the narrator disillusioned, his life indelibly marked by the farcical entanglements of love, identity, and duty.
By W.W. Jacobs · First published 1900 · Genre: Humor/Comedy, Domestic Fiction, Satire · 6,397 words
Editions
First lines
Dealing with a man, said the night-watchman, thoughtfully, is as easy as a teetotaller walking along a nice wide pavement; dealing with a woman is like the same teetotaller, arter four or five whiskies, trying to get up a step that ain't there. If a man can't get 'is own way he eases 'is mind with a little nasty language, and then forgets all about it; if a woman can't get 'er own way she flies into a temper and reminds you of something you oughtn't to ha' done ten years ago. Wot a woman would do whose 'usband had never done anything wrong I can't think.
What this Textopian page supports
Husbandry is listed on Textopian as a short story by W.W. Jacobs, dated 1900 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: W.W. Jacobs
- Date: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor/Comedy, Domestic Fiction, Satire, Realism, Nautical Fiction
- Length: 6,397 words
- Structure: 1 section, 159 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Husbandry by W.W. Jacobs
- 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
Genres
- Humor/Comedy — The narrative employs a distinctive dialect and absurd domestic situations to elicit humor, making comedy its primary element.
- Domestic Fiction — The plot centers on marital and domestic disputes, highlighting everyday life and relationships in a humorous yet realistic manner.
- Satire — The text critiques gender roles and social behaviors with wit and irony, reflecting a satirical view of domestic and societal norms.
- Realism — The work portrays working-class life and authentic dialogue, capturing the realistic nuances of its characters and setting.
Tags
horror · short story · dark humor · macabre · irony · gothic · supernatural · suspense · twist ending · morality · fatalism · psychological