THE CAMEL'S COMPLAINT
by Charles E. Carryl · from The Admiral's Caravan
Adapted Version
Dorothy was walking in the woods. She saw animals hiding behind a big tree. They looked shy.
She walked over to them. "Where is your friend, the camel?" she asked.
The Captain looked at the ground. "He always complained," he said. "He said, 'I am not happy!'"
The Poet stood up. He recited a short poem. "The dog has a bed. The cat has a mat. My humps are heavy, I have no bed. But I have no place to sleep or eat."
Dorothy felt sad. "Poor camel," she said.
"What did you do?" she asked.
"We put him in the pond to wash," said the Captain.
"That was not nice!" said Dorothy. "You should be kind."
"He made funny noises," said the Captain. "Gurgle, gurgle."
"Is he okay?" asked Dorothy.
"Yes," said the Captain. "He floated like a toy boat."
The animals looked cute and shy. Dorothy felt less mad.
"I am not happy with you," she said. "Be kinder next time."
"Okay, sorry," said the animals.
Dorothy walked away. She felt proud. We must listen and be kind to others.
Original Story
THE CAMEL'S COMPLAINT
Dorothy ran along until she thought she was quite safe, and then stopped to look back and listen. There was a confused sound of shouts and cries in the distance, but nothing seemed to be coming after her, so, after waiting a moment to get her breath, she walked quietly away through the wood.
"What a scene of turmoil it was!" she said to herself. (You see, she was trying to express herself in a very dignified and composed manner, as if she hadn't been in the least disturbed by what had happened.) "I presume—" she went on, "I presume it was something like a riot, although I really don't see what it was all about. Of course I've never been in a riot, but if it's anything like that, I shall never have anything to do with one";—which certainly was a very wise resolution for a little girl to make; but as Dorothy was always making wise resolutions about things that were never going to happen, I really don't think that this particular one was a matter of any consequence.
She was so much pleased with these remarks that she was going on to say a number of very fine things, when she came suddenly upon the Caravan hiding behind a large tree. They were sitting in a little bunch on the grass, and, as Dorothy appeared, they all put on an appearance of great unconcern, and began staring up at the branches of the tree, as if they hadn't seen her.
"They've certainly been doing something they're ashamed of," she said to herself, "but they can't deceive me with any such behavior as that"; and just then the Admiral pretended he had just caught sight of her and said, with a patronizing air, "Ah! How d' ye do? How d' ye do?" as if they hadn't met for quite a while.
"You know perfectly well how I do, and I consider that a very foolish remark," replied Dorothy, speaking in a very dignified manner, and not feeling at all pleased with this reception; and then noticing that Humphrey was nowhere to be seen, she said severely, "Where's your Camel?"
"Camels is no good," said the Admiral, evasively. "Leastwise he wasn't."
"Why not?" said Dorothy. She said this very sternly, for she felt morally certain that the Admiral was trying to conceal something from her.
"Well, you see," said the Admiral, uneasily, "he talked too much. He was always grumbling."
"Grumbling about what?" said Dorothy.
"Oh, about a wariety of things," said the Admiral. "Meals and lodgings and all that, you know. I used to try to stop him. 'Cammy,' I says—"
"'Cammy' is short for camel," explained Sir Walter, and Dorothy laughed and nodded, and the Admiral went on—
"'Cammy,' I says, 'don't scold so much'; but lor! I might as well have talked to a turnpike-gate."
"Better," put in Sir Walter. "That shuts up sometimes, and he never did."
"Oh, jummy!" said the Highlander, with a chuckle, "that's a good one!"
"But what was it all about?" persisted Dorothy.
"You tell her, Ruffles," said the Admiral.
"Well," said Sir Walter, "it was all the same thing, over and over again. He had it all in verses so he wouldn't forget any of it. It went like this:
"Canary-birds feed on sugar and seed,
Parrots have crackers to crunch;
And, as for the poodles, they tell me the noodles
Have chickens and cream for their lunch.
But there's never a question
About MY digestion—
Anything does for me!
"Cats, you're aware, can repose in a chair,
Chickens can roost upon rails;
Puppies are able to sleep in a stable,
And oysters can slumber in pails.
But no one supposes
A poor Camel dozes—
Any place does for me!
"Lambs are inclosed where it's never exposed,
Coops are constructed for hens;
Kittens are treated to houses well heated,
And pigs are protected by pens.
But a Camel comes handy
Wherever it's sandy—
Anywhere does for me!
"People would laugh if you rode a giraffe,
Or mounted the back of an ox;
It's nobody's habit to ride on a rabbit,
Or try to bestraddle a fox.
But as for a Camel, he's
Ridden by families—
Any load does for me!
"A snake is as round as a hole in the ground,
And weasels are wavy and sleek;
And no alligator could ever be straighter
Than lizards that live in a creek.
But a Camel's all lumpy
And bumpy and humpy—
Any shape does for me!"
Now, Dorothy was a very tender-hearted little child, and by the time these verses were finished she hardly knew whether to laugh or to cry. "Poor old, feeble-minded thing!" she said, compassionately. "And what became of him at last?"
There was a dead silence for a moment, and then the Admiral said solemnly:
"We put him in a pond."
"Why, that's the most unhuman thing I ever heard of in all my life!" exclaimed Dorothy, greatly shocked at this news.
THE CARAVAN DISCIPLINE THE CAMEL.
"Well," said the Admiral, in a shamefaced sort of way, "we thought it was a good thing to do—for us, you know."
"And I call it proud and unforgiving," said Dorothy, indignantly. "Did the poor creature say anything?"
"Not at first," said the Admiral; "but after he got in he said things."
"Such as what?" said Dorothy.
"Oh, we couldn't make out what he said," replied the Admiral, peevishly. "It was perfectly unintellijibbergibble."
"Kind of gurgly," put in the Highlander.
"Did he go right down?" inquired Dorothy, very anxiously.
"Not a bit of it," said the Admiral, flippantly. "He never went down at all. He floated, just like a cork, you know."
"Round and round and round," added Sir Walter.
"Like a turnip," put in the Highlander.
"What do you mean by that?" said Dorothy, sharply.
"Nothing," said the Highlander, looking very much abashed; "only I thought turnips turned round."
Dorothy was greatly provoked at all this, and felt that she really ought to say something very severe; but the fact was that the Caravan looked so innocent, sitting on the grass with their sunbonnets all crooked on their heads, that it was as much as she could do to keep from laughing outright. "You know," she said to herself, "if it wasn't for the Highlander's whiskers, it'd be precisely like a' infant class having a picnic; and after all, they're really nothing but graven images"—so she contented herself by saying, as severely as she could:
"Well, I'm extremely displeased, and I'm very much ashamed of all of you."
The Caravan received this reproof with great cheerfulness, especially the Admiral, who took a look at Dorothy through his spy-glass, and then said with much satisfaction: "Now we're each being ashamed of by three persons"; but Dorothy very properly took no notice of this remark, and walked away in a dignified manner.
CHAPTER X
Story DNA
Moral
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Plot Summary
Dorothy encounters a peculiar group of animals, the Caravan, hiding in the woods. She inquires about their missing camel, Humphrey, only to learn they found him too grumbly. The Caravan recites Humphrey's lengthy, rhyming complaint about his thankless existence, which makes Dorothy feel pity. To her horror, the Caravan reveals they 'disciplined' him by putting him in a pond, where he merely floated and gurgled. Dorothy, indignant at their casual cruelty, scolds them, but the unrepentant Caravan cheerfully dismisses her reproof, leaving Dorothy to walk away in dignified displeasure.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to mild indignation
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Part of a larger whimsical children's book, 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' style nonsense.
Plot Beats (13)
- Dorothy, after a chaotic event, finds the Caravan hiding and acting suspiciously.
- Dorothy confronts the Caravan about their behavior and asks about the missing camel, Humphrey.
- The Admiral explains that the camel was a constant grumbler about everything.
- Sir Walter recites the camel's long, rhyming complaint about how all other animals have comforts and specific roles, while he is used for everything and has nothing.
- Dorothy feels pity for the camel after hearing his lament.
- Dorothy asks what happened to the camel, and the Admiral reveals they put him in a pond.
- Dorothy is horrified by this 'unhuman' act and accuses them of being proud and unforgiving.
- The Admiral admits the camel said things after being put in the pond, but they were 'unintellijibbergibble' gurgles.
- Dorothy anxiously asks if he drowned, but the Admiral flippantly states he floated like a cork.
- The Highlander adds a nonsensical comment about turnips, further provoking Dorothy.
- Dorothy, despite her anger, finds it hard to maintain her severity due to the Caravan's innocent appearance.
- Dorothy expresses her extreme displeasure and shame in their actions.
- The Caravan cheerfully accepts her reproof, with the Admiral making a self-satisfied remark, and Dorothy walks away.
Characters
Dorothy ★ protagonist
A small, tender-hearted girl of average height and build for her age. Her movements are generally composed and dignified, though she can run quickly when startled.
Attire: A practical, modest dress typical of a young girl in the late 19th or early 20th century, perhaps made of cotton or linen in a simple color like blue or white, possibly with a small apron or sash. Her shoes would be sturdy and suitable for walking through woods.
Wants: To understand the truth, to uphold justice and fairness, and to maintain her sense of moral order in a chaotic world.
Flaw: Her strong sense of moral indignation can make her overly serious and sometimes a bit self-righteous. She is easily provoked by perceived injustice.
She remains consistent in her moral stance, acting as the story's moral compass and voice of reason against the absurd actions of the Caravan.
Dignified, compassionate, stern, wise (in her own estimation), easily shocked, and persistent. She tries to maintain an air of composure even when disturbed.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young girl standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a round, innocent face with wide, expressive blue eyes and light brown hair styled simply, perhaps with a ribbon. She wears a modest, knee-length blue cotton dress with a white Peter Pan collar and sturdy brown leather shoes. Her posture is composed and dignified, with a slightly stern yet compassionate expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Admiral ◆ supporting
A man of indeterminate age, likely middle-aged or older, with a somewhat shifty and evasive demeanor. He is part of a group that Dorothy perceives as 'graven images' but also 'like an infant class'.
Attire: Though part of a 'Caravan', his title suggests a naval background. He might wear a slightly disheveled, perhaps faded, naval-style jacket or a blue blazer, possibly with brass buttons, over a simple shirt. His trousers would be practical, and he might wear a sunbonnet, albeit crookedly, like the others in the caravan.
Wants: To avoid responsibility, to maintain a sense of authority (even if feigned), and to justify his actions.
Flaw: His moral cowardice and inability to take responsibility for his actions. He is easily embarrassed but quickly recovers.
He remains consistent in his evasive and morally questionable behavior, never truly learning from Dorothy's reproofs.
Evasive, patronizing, flippant, shamefaced, cheerful (when reproved), and somewhat absurd. He lacks moral depth compared to Dorothy.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man with a somewhat shifty expression, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a slightly blustering face and an unkempt, perhaps graying, beard. He wears a faded blue naval-style jacket with tarnished brass buttons, a rumpled white shirt, and practical dark trousers. A slightly crooked, light-colored sunbonnet is perched on his head. He holds a small, brass spy-glass in one hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Sir Walter ◆ supporting
A man of indeterminate age, part of the Caravan. He seems to be a close associate of the Admiral, often interjecting with explanations or additions to the Admiral's statements.
Attire: Similar to the Admiral, he would wear practical, slightly disheveled clothing. Perhaps a tweed jacket or a waistcoat over a simple shirt, suitable for a traveler. He also wears a sunbonnet, likely crooked.
Wants: To support the Admiral's narrative, to avoid Dorothy's scrutiny, and to find amusement in the situation.
Flaw: His complicity in the Caravan's cruel actions and his willingness to offer absurd justifications.
He remains consistent in his role as a supportive, yet morally questionable, member of the Caravan.
Evasive, explanatory, quick-witted (in a nonsensical way), and complicit in the Caravan's actions. He is less of a leader and more of a commentator.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man with a slightly prim and evasive expression, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a clean-shaven face and short, neat brown hair. He wears a practical, slightly rumpled tweed jacket over a light-colored shirt, with dark trousers. A slightly crooked, light-colored sunbonnet is perched on his head. His posture is somewhat rigid, trying to appear innocent. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Highlander ◆ supporting
A man of indeterminate age, part of the Caravan. His most distinguishing feature is his whiskers.
Attire: Given his title, he would likely wear some element of traditional Scottish Highland dress, perhaps a kilt or tartan trousers, or at least a wool jacket and a tam o' shanter (though he also wears a sunbonnet, crookedly). His clothing would be practical and somewhat rustic.
Wants: To find amusement, to support the Caravan's collective narrative, and to avoid Dorothy's disapproval.
Flaw: His simple-mindedness and his inability to grasp the seriousness of the situation, leading to inappropriate comments.
He remains consistent in his jovial and somewhat simple-minded role, never truly learning from Dorothy's reproofs.
Jovial, prone to chuckling, slightly simple-minded (as shown by his 'turnips turned round' comment), and complicit in the Caravan's actions. He provides comic relief.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man with a jovial expression, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a round face framed by prominent, bushy red whiskers and a matching mustache. He wears a practical wool jacket in a dark green tartan pattern over a simple cream shirt, with dark trousers. A slightly crooked, light-colored sunbonnet is perched on his head. His posture is relaxed, with a hint of a chuckle on his face. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Humphrey (The Camel) ○ minor
A large, lumpy, bumpy, and humpy camel. His physical form is described as irregular and ungainly, contrasting with the sleekness of other animals.
Attire: None, as he is an animal, but he is described as being 'ridden by families' and carrying 'any load', implying he is often burdened with saddles and cargo.
Wants: To be treated with the same care and consideration as other animals, to have comfortable lodgings and good meals, and to be free from constant burdens.
Flaw: His inability to stop complaining, which irritates his companions, and his physical form, which makes him seem less 'deserving' of comfort in the eyes of the Caravan.
He is removed from the story by being 'disciplined' in a pond, but his complaints and fate serve as a catalyst for Dorothy's indignation.
Grumbling, complaining, long-suffering, and expressive (through his verses). He is a victim of circumstance and the Caravan's cruelty.
Image Prompt & Upload
A large, adult camel standing, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. Its fur is a sandy-brown color, slightly shaggy. It has a long, curved neck, a typical camel's head with large, weary brown eyes, and a perpetually disgruntled expression. Its body is distinctly lumpy, bumpy, and humpy, with two prominent humps. Its legs are long and sturdy. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
The Wood's Edge
A quiet area at the edge of a wood, where Dorothy stops to catch her breath after escaping a 'scene of turmoil'. The ground is likely soft with fallen leaves or grass, and large trees provide cover.
Mood: calm, reflective, a sense of relief after chaos
Dorothy collects herself and reflects on the preceding events before encountering the Caravan.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sun-dappled forest edge, with tall, mature deciduous trees forming a dense canopy overhead. Soft, filtered sunlight creates shifting patterns on the forest floor, which is covered in a mix of fallen leaves and lush green undergrowth. A faint, winding path is barely visible, leading deeper into the woods. The air is still and peaceful. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Hiding Spot in the Wood
A secluded spot within the wood, characterized by a very large tree behind which the Caravan is hiding. They are sitting on the grass in a 'little bunch'.
Mood: secretive, slightly awkward, playful
Dorothy discovers the Caravan and learns about their 'discipline' of the Camel.
Image Prompt & Upload
A clearing within a temperate deciduous forest, dominated by an enormous, ancient oak tree with a massive, gnarled trunk and sprawling branches. The ground beneath is covered in short, vibrant green grass, with patches of wildflowers. Soft, diffused daylight filters through the dense canopy, creating a serene and slightly secluded ambiance. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Pond
A body of water where the Camel was 'disciplined' by being placed in it. The Camel floated 'like a cork' and 'like a turnip', suggesting a relatively still, contained body of water.
Mood: comical, absurd, slightly melancholic
The Caravan describes the final fate of the grumbling Camel, revealing its comical buoyancy.
Image Prompt & Upload
A tranquil, circular pond nestled in a gentle hollow, its surface reflecting the clear blue sky. Reeds and cattails grow along the muddy banks, with smooth, grey river stones visible at the water's edge. Beyond the pond, a sparse scattering of willow trees with drooping branches provides a soft, natural border. The water is calm and still. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
