"The Story of the Bad Little Boy" is a short story written by American author Mark Twain, originally published in 1865, in The Californian.[1] The story follows the life of Jim, the titular "bad little boy," who avoids consequences for his immoral behavior.[1] It satirizes moralistic children's tales that were prevalent during the 19th century.[2]
Plot summary
editThe story follows the life of Jim, a child who thrives despite his numerous wrongdoings. Jim's misdeeds include lying to his mother, stealing from a local farmer, framing a classmate for theft, and punching his sister. The narrative concludes with Jim growing up, becoming wealthy, and living a successful life without facing any retribution for his childhood misdeeds.
Throughout the story, Twain compares Jim's impunity to the typical protagonists of the "Sunday-school books" who face dire consequences for their misdeeds.
References
edit- ^ a b "Mark Twain's Bad Boy". University of Virginia. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
- ^ "The Massachusetts Teacher". Sage. July 1865. p. 242. JSTOR 45026498. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
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