Pigs is Pigs By: Ellis Parker Butler (1869-1937)
Pigs is Pigs by Ellis Parker Butler is a delightful and humorous tale that explores the predicament of bureaucracy and its absurdity in the most unexpected of places – a railway station. The story is set in motion when a shipment of two guinea pigs arrives at the station, and the stationmaster, Mike Flannery, is faced with the question of whether to charge the sender the rate for livestock or pets. Butler skillfully crafts a narrative that captures the frustration and hilarity of bureaucracy. Flannery, determined to follow the rules, insists the sender should pay the higher livestock rate. However, as the days pass and the guinea pigs continue to multiply, Flannery finds himself caught in a never-ending cycle of paperwork and mounting charges. The stations' growing pig population becomes the subject of a local news story, further exacerbating Flannery's problems. What sets Pigs is Pigs apart is the author's ability to inject humor into every situation. From the absurdity of defining guinea pigs as livestock to Flannery's increasingly desperate attempts to solve the problem, the story is infused with wit and comedic timing. Butler expertly uses dialogue and the characters' reactions to create belly-laugh moments, making for an entertaining read from start to finish. The character of Mike Flannery is particularly well-drawn, portraying the struggles of an ordinary man caught in the machinery of bureaucracy. Flannery's determination to follow the rules, despite their illogical application, is both amusing and relatable. We empathize with his mounting frustration and cheer him on as he tries to find a way out of this predicament. In addition to its comedic value, Pigs is Pigs also serves as a subtle commentary on the flaws of bureaucratic systems. It highlights the absurdity of rigid rules and regulations that fail to account for real-life scenarios. Butler's subtle critique prompts readers to question the limitations and shortcomings of bureaucratic structures, urging them to seek creative solutions and avoid becoming entangled in red tape. Despite its publication over a century ago, Pigs is Pigs remains relevant and enjoyable today. Its timeless humor, relatable characters, and underlying message make it a remarkable novella that can be appreciated by readers of all ages. Whether you're drawn by its comedic elements, social commentary, or simply looking for an engaging and lighthearted read, Pigs is Pigs will not disappoint. Butler's clever storytelling will leave you laughing, reflecting, and perhaps eyeing any future shipping charges involving livestock or pets with a healthy dose of skepticism. First Page: "PIGS IS PIGS" By Ellis Parker Butler Mike Flannery, the Westcote agent of the Interurban Express Company, leaned over the counter of the express office and shook his fist. Mr. Morehouse, angry and red, stood on the other side of the counter, trembling with rage. The argument had been long and heated, and at last Mr. Morehouse had talked himself speechless. The cause of the trouble stood on the counter between the two men. It was a soap box across the top of which were nailed a number of strips, forming a rough but serviceable cage. In it two spotted guinea pigs were greedily eating lettuce leaves. "Do as you loike, then!" shouted Flannery, "pay for thim an' take thim, or don't pay for thim and leave thim be. Rules is rules, Misther Morehouse, an' Mike Flannery's not goin' to be called down fer breakin' of thim." "But, you everlastingly stupid idiot!" shouted Mr. Morehouse, madly shaking a flimsy printed book beneath the agent's nose, "can't you read it here in your own plain printed rates? 'Pets, domestic, Franklin to Westcote, if properly boxed, twenty five cents each.'" He threw the book on the counter in disgust. "What more do you want? Aren't they pets? Aren't they domestic? Aren't they properly boxed? What?" He turned and walked back and forth rapidly; frowning ferociously... Continue reading book >>

Pigs is Pigs By: Ellis Parker Butler (1869-1937)

Pigs is Pigs by Ellis Parker Butler is a delightful and humorous tale that explores the predicament of bureaucracy and its absurdity in the most unexpected of places – a railway station. The story is set in motion when a shipment of two guinea pigs arrives at the station, and the stationmaster, Mike Flannery, is faced with the question of whether to charge the sender the rate for livestock or pets.

Butler skillfully crafts a narrative that captures the frustration and hilarity of bureaucracy. Flannery, determined to follow the rules, insists the sender should pay the higher livestock rate. However, as the days pass and the guinea pigs continue to multiply, Flannery finds himself caught in a never-ending cycle of paperwork and mounting charges. The stations' growing pig population becomes the subject of a local news story, further exacerbating Flannery's problems.

What sets Pigs is Pigs apart is the author's ability to inject humor into every situation. From the absurdity of defining guinea pigs as livestock to Flannery's increasingly desperate attempts to solve the problem, the story is infused with wit and comedic timing. Butler expertly uses dialogue and the characters' reactions to create belly-laugh moments, making for an entertaining read from start to finish.

The character of Mike Flannery is particularly well-drawn, portraying the struggles of an ordinary man caught in the machinery of bureaucracy. Flannery's determination to follow the rules, despite their illogical application, is both amusing and relatable. We empathize with his mounting frustration and cheer him on as he tries to find a way out of this predicament.

In addition to its comedic value, Pigs is Pigs also serves as a subtle commentary on the flaws of bureaucratic systems. It highlights the absurdity of rigid rules and regulations that fail to account for real-life scenarios. Butler's subtle critique prompts readers to question the limitations and shortcomings of bureaucratic structures, urging them to seek creative solutions and avoid becoming entangled in red tape.

Despite its publication over a century ago, Pigs is Pigs remains relevant and enjoyable today. Its timeless humor, relatable characters, and underlying message make it a remarkable novella that can be appreciated by readers of all ages. Whether you're drawn by its comedic elements, social commentary, or simply looking for an engaging and lighthearted read, Pigs is Pigs will not disappoint. Butler's clever storytelling will leave you laughing, reflecting, and perhaps eyeing any future shipping charges involving livestock or pets with a healthy dose of skepticism.

First Page:

"PIGS IS PIGS"

By Ellis Parker Butler

Mike Flannery, the Westcote agent of the Interurban Express Company, leaned over the counter of the express office and shook his fist. Mr. Morehouse, angry and red, stood on the other side of the counter, trembling with rage. The argument had been long and heated, and at last Mr. Morehouse had talked himself speechless. The cause of the trouble stood on the counter between the two men. It was a soap box across the top of which were nailed a number of strips, forming a rough but serviceable cage. In it two spotted guinea pigs were greedily eating lettuce leaves.

"Do as you loike, then!" shouted Flannery, "pay for thim an' take thim, or don't pay for thim and leave thim be. Rules is rules, Misther Morehouse, an' Mike Flannery's not goin' to be called down fer breakin' of thim."

"But, you everlastingly stupid idiot!" shouted Mr. Morehouse, madly shaking a flimsy printed book beneath the agent's nose, "can't you read it here in your own plain printed rates? 'Pets, domestic, Franklin to Westcote, if properly boxed, twenty five cents each.'" He threw the book on the counter in disgust. "What more do you want? Aren't they pets? Aren't they domestic? Aren't they properly boxed? What?"

He turned and walked back and forth rapidly; frowning ferociously... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Humor
Literature
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Ellis Parker Butler
Wikipedia – Pigs is Pigs

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Reviews (Rated: 5 Stars - 1 review)
Name: Subject:
Reviewer: Matthew - September 4, 2018 Subject: Reading for school Choose this book because I love pigs and I never thought it will make my day. Its very funny story and I learned new words.