Project Gutenberg
2005-11-01
Public domain in the USA.
94
Hawthorne, Nathaniel
1804
1864
Little Daffydowndilly
(From: "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales")
David Widger
"Little Daffydowndilly" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a children's story written in the early 19th century. This allegorical tale centers on the themes of diligence versus idleness through the experiences of a lazy boy, Daffydowndilly, who embodies the characteristics of a flower, preferring beauty and ease over hard work. The story takes readers on a journey through Daffydowndilly's encounters as he tries to escape the strict discipline of his schoolmaster, Mr. Toil. The narrative follows young Daffydowndilly as he runs away from school to find his mother and a life free from hard work. Accompanied by a mysterious stranger, he explores various settings, each time encountering figures that resemble Mr. Toil in different professions (like farming, carpentry, and military service), underscoring the inescapable nature of toil and responsibility. As Daffydowndilly learns that idleness does not lead to happiness, he ultimately recognizes the value of diligence and the rewards that come from embracing hard work. By the end of his journey, he gains a new perspective, realizing that toil can be fulfilling and rewarding. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Reading ease score: 77.5 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
en
Short stories
New England -- Social life and customs -- Fiction
Historical fiction, American
PS
Text
Category: Children & Young Adult Reading
Category: American Literature
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