Fine Feathers
by W. W. Jacobs (1863–1943)
- Free to read
- 15 min read
- Reading level: 6th grade
"Fine Feathers" by W. W. Jacobs is a humorous short story, likely written in the early 20th century. This work encapsulates the life of Mr. Jobson, a greengrocer who finds himself entangled in a comical family surprise involving formal attire. The story primarily explores themes of class, societal expectations, and the humorous struggles of conforming to those expectations. The narrative follows Mr. Jobson as he awakens to discover that his family has conspiringly replaced his usual work clothes with a top hat, tailcoat, and other formal attire. Initially hesitant and embarrassed, he reluctantly dons the outfit for a family outing to the Crystal Palace. Throughout the story, Mr. Jobson experiences discomfort and social anxiety about his appearance, leading to humorous encounters with friends and neighbors. Ultimately, his initial resistance gives way to an acceptance of the new clothes, reflecting the family's desire for social respectability and Mr. Jobson's realization of the importance of dressing appropriately as a father.
- Humorous stories, English
- England · Social life and customs
Read the opening
SHIP'S COMPANY
By W.W. Jacobs
FINE FEATHERS
Mr. Jobson awoke with a Sundayish feeling, probably due to the fact that it was Bank Holiday. He had been aware, in a dim fashion, of the rising of Mrs. Jobson some time before, and in a semi-conscious condition had taken over a large slice of unoccupied territory. He stretched himself and yawned, and then, by an effort of will, threw off the clothes and springing out of bed reached for his trousers.
He was an orderly man, and had hung them every night for over twenty years on the brass knob on his side of the bed. He had hung them there the night before, and now they had absconded with a pair of red braces just entering their teens. Instead, on a chair at the foot of the bed was a collection of garments that made him shudder. With trembling fingers he turned over a black tailcoat, a white waistcoat, and a pair of light check trousers. A white shirt, a collar, and tie kept them company, and, greatest outrage of all, a tall silk hat stood on its own band-box beside the chair. Mr. Jobson, fingering his bristly chin, stood: regarding the collection with a wan smile.
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About this edition
This free edition of Fine Feathers by W. W. Jacobs comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #10561, released 2004-01-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Short Stories, Humour, British Literature.
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