SUGGESTIONS to TEACHERS
by Frank R. Stockton · from Fanciful tales
Adapted Version
A kind man told stories to children.
He told a story about Old Pipes. Old Pipes was old and slow. He played his pipes in the woods. One day, he saw the Dryad. The Dryad was stuck in a tree. Old Pipes helped her get free. The Dryad was very happy. She gave him a gift. Old Pipes felt strong and happy. He was young again! Helping others makes you strong and happy.
The man told more stories. He told about the Bee-Man. The Bee-Man loved his bees. He was kind to them. The Junior Sorcerer said he was not himself. The Bee-Man went on a journey. He found a baby bird. He cared for the baby bird. He knew he was the Bee-Man. Being kind and true is your real self.
Then the man told about Arla. Arla lived in a town of clocks. The clocks were all wrong. Arla wanted the right time. She fixed the clocks one by one. She taught all the people. Time is key. We must use time well.
The last story was about a griffin. The griffin was big and proud. He saw a Minor Canon. The Minor Canon was good and brave. The griffin became his friend. Goodness and brave acts make true friends.
The children learned: being kind brings joy. The end.
Original Story
SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS
These suggestions and questions are prepared to aid the child in getting food for thought. Many ethical questions are touched upon in these stories, phases of the great problems of life which each citizen must solve for himself. The school-room is a little community, of which each child is a unit, and there he should get training for good citizenship. Let him grapple, then, with these questions, for he would better be striving after a large truth than altogether absorbing a little one.
OLD PIPES AND THE DRYAD
This story is akin to the Greek and the Latin myths, and will lead you back to the beginnings of literature, to the myth of Daphne and her changing to a laurel-tree, the myth of Dryope, and Virgil’s account of the transformation of Polydore (Æneid, Book III.)—all of which are tree-myths. Conington’s metrical translation of Virgil tells this story very musically.
These dryad stories have been the inspiration of poets and artists of all ages. I hope you may some day see the beautiful picture of Daphne changing to the laurel-tree that a French artist has painted.
It will add much to the value of the child’s study of literature if the teacher will read or tell these myths to the children. They may be found in Gayley’s “Classic Myths,” Murray’s “Mythology,” Bulfinch’s “Mythology,” or any classical dictionary.
It is easy for us to see that, in this myth of Daphne, the Greek people were telling us, in their poetic way, that the dawn ever flew at the sun’s approach.
In this story the loving helpfulness of Old Pipes brought back his strength and youth quite as much as the kiss of the Dryad; for are we not always strong and happy when helping others?
What other pieces of literature teach this lesson?
Read Lowell’s poem, “Rhœcus.”
Compare the dryad in Stockton’s story with the dryads of the myths.
How do you think this idea of dryads originated?
Discuss the character of Old Pipes. Have you ever met another like him in your reading?
Did the Dryad do right in not returning the money to the villagers?
THE BEE-MAN OF ORN
This story can be made a starting-point for interesting science lessons. Children can easily observe the habits of bees. In ancient times, when honey was a staple article of food, much was thought and written about the care of bees. Read with the children John Burroughs’ “Birds and Bees,” also bits from Virgil’s “Georgics,” Book IV.
Lead the children to discuss the following points:
Why did the bees not sting the Bee-Man?
What is it that leads animals to like a person?
Did his ugly appearance hinder the bees from liking the Bee-Man? Would it hinder you from liking him?
Do you think the Bee-Man had flowers growing in the little garden outside his hut?
What kind of flowers? Why?
Do all flowers with perfume yield honey?
Which would derive more pleasure from watching the life and habits of bees, a busy person or a lazy one?
Do bees make weather observations? Virgil says that bees do not go far from the hive when an east wind is blowing.
What do you think was the Junior Sorcerer’s reason for thinking the Bee-Man had been transformed?
Do you agree with the Junior Sorcerer in his opinion of the Bee-Man: that he was a “miserable old man”?
When the Bee-Man first felt himself drawn toward the Lord of the Domain, what was it that influenced him? Are appearances to be trusted?
Do you ever meet people who, like the Languid Youth, dislike to face duty alone, and would always rather have someone go with them?
The Bee-Man shrunk from entering the cavern, yet within it he found that phase of life toward which he was most drawn; so the unpleasant duties of life from which we so often shrink contain the best things that life has in store for us.
Suppose the Languid Youth had found the baby in the cavern, what would he have done?
If you had a chance to go back to your babyhood again, do you think you would grow up to be the same person that you are now?
Which character in this story do you like best? Why?
THE CLOCKS OF RONDAINE
This story naturally leads to the history of clocks and time-pieces of various kinds, from the crude hour-glass, the burning candle graduated to last a certain time, the water-clock, much the same as the hour-glass, and the dial on which the shadow of the sun is traced, down to the clocks which we have now, and especially those of finest mechanism and beautiful ornamentation.
The industry of clock-making is a very important one. In the United States it has been built up almost entirely in the last sixty years.
Many years ago clock movements were made of wood; now they are made, as every child knows, of metal, which is cheaper to manufacture and more durable.
In the days of the Revolution many clocks were made in Connecticut, using no machinery in their manufacture, but cutting the wheels and teeth with a saw and jack-knife. Then the makers would travel to the more recently settled country and sell these crude wooden clocks for twenty-five dollars apiece.
A description and pictures of the Strasbourg Clock could be made interesting here.
In what part of the world do you think Rondaine was?
What characteristics should you expect to find in the people of a town containing so many clocks?
What particular occupations should you expect to find these people following?
For which did the people care more, clocks or time?
We thought, in the early part of the story, that Arla was the only person in all Rondaine who cared to know the correct time. Do you still think so, after finishing the story?
Suppose we followed the reasoning of the little old lady with white hair, saying that what was good enough for our grandfathers is good enough for us, how would it affect the world?
Is there anything in this story that seems improbable, that is, does it seem like a true story?
What truth does it leave with us?
THE GRIFFIN AND THE MINOR CANON
Lead pupils to discuss their ideas of griffins before reading the story.
To what age of literature do griffin and dragon stories belong?
How could the Griffin know that the stone image was a good likeness of himself?
What things do you think the Griffin told the Minor Canon about minerals, metals, and the wonders of the world?
Stop at the point in the story just prior to the sending away of the Minor Canon, and let the children discuss what they would have done under those circumstances.
Do you agree with the Griffin in his opinion of the only two good things in the town?
What did the Griffin mean when he said, “If some things were different, other things would be otherwise”?
Thus we learn that goodness, bravery, and honesty, even in a griffin, demand for companionship, goodness, bravery, and honesty.
Ruskin says some very good things about dragons in the first few pages of “The Queen of the Air.”
How do the things we see every day affect our characters?
Some very interesting and profitable comparisons may be made between this story and Hawthorne’s story of the “Great Stone Face”; and since comparison is such a mind-strengthener, the teacher should never lose such an opportunity.
THE SCRIBNER SERIES
of SCHOOL READING
A uniform supplementary reading series, specially edited for use in elementary schools and carefully graded in accordance with results obtained from actual tests in the class room. The main purpose of this series is to introduce into the class room the best literature, particularly the writings of those contemporary American authors who naturally appeal to young people, and to bring this excellent literature within the reach of all schools by offering the books at a very moderate price. The volumes are profusely illustrated, and handsomely and durably bound.
Fanciful Tales. By Frank R. Stockton. Edited by Julia E. Langworthy. Illustrated.
Hans Brinker. By Mary Mapes Dodge. Illustrated.
A Child’s Garden of Verses. By Robert Louis Stevenson. Illustrated.
Some Merry Adventures of Robin Hood. By Howard Pyle. Illustrated by the author.
America First. By Frances Nimmo Greene. Illustrated.
The Hoosier School Boy. By Edward Eggleston. Illustrated.
Krag and Johnny Bear. Being the Personal Histories of Krag, Randy, Johnny Bear, and Chink. By Ernest Thompson Seton. Illustrated.
Lobo, Rag, and Vixen. Selections from “Wild Animals I Have Known.” By Ernest Thompson Seton. With 4 full-page and many other illustrations from drawings by the Author.
Hero Tales Told in School. By James Baldwin. Illustrated.
The Page Story Book. Selections for School Reading by Thomas Nelson Page. Edited by Frank E. Spalding and Catherine T. Bryce.
The van Dyke Book. Selections for School Reading. By Henry van Dyke. Edited by Professor Edwin Mims. A new edition, revised, with an introduction by Maxwell Struthers Burt. Illustrated.
The Howells Story Book. By William Dean Howells. Selected and arranged by Mary E. Burt. Illustrated by Miss Howells.
The Eugene Field Book. Verses, Stories, and Letters for School Reading. By Eugene Field. Edited by Mary E. Burt and Mary L. Cable. With an Introduction by George W. Cable. Illustrated.
The Lanier Book. Selections for School Reading. By Sidney Lanier. Edited and arranged by Mary E. Burt, in co-operation with Mrs. Lanier. Illustrated.
The Cable Story Book. Selections for School Reading. By George W. Cable. Edited by Mary E. Burt and Lucy L. Cable. Illustrated.
The Roosevelt Book. Selections from the writings of Theodore Roosevelt, with an introduction by Robert Bridges. Illustrated.
Things Will Take a Turn. By Beatrice Harraden. Illustrated.
Around the World in the Sloop Spray. By Captain Joshua Slocum. Illustrated.
Twelve Naval Captains. With portraits. By Molly Elliott Seawell.
Poems of American Patriotism. Chosen by Brander Matthews.
Children’s Stories of American Literature, 1660-1860. By Henrietta Christian Wright.
Children’s Stories of American Literature, 1860-1896. By Henrietta Christian Wright.
Children’s Stories in American History. By Henrietta Christian Wright.
Children’s Stories in American Progress. By Henrietta Christian Wright.
Herakles, the Hero of Thebes, and Other Heroes of the Myth. By Mary E. Burt and Zenaide Ragezin. Illustrated.
Odysseus: The Hero of Ithaca. By Mary E. Burt. Illustrated.
The Boy General. By Mrs. George A. Custer and Mary E. Burt. Illustrated.
Don Quixote De La Mancha. By Miguel de Cervantes. From the translations of Duffield and Shelton. By Mary E. Burt and Lucy Leffingwell Cable.
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:
Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.
Archaic or variant spelling has been retained.
*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FANCIFUL TALES ***
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Story DNA
Moral
Helping others brings strength and happiness, and true value is often found in unexpected places or through unpleasant duties.
Plot Summary
This text serves as a guide for teachers, offering suggestions and questions to facilitate discussions around Frank R. Stockton's 'Fanciful Tales.' It deconstructs four stories: 'Old Pipes and the Dryad,' emphasizing helpfulness and youth; 'The Bee-Man of Orn,' exploring identity, transformation, and inner value; 'The Clocks of Rondaine,' questioning societal priorities and the value of time; and 'The Griffin and the Minor Canon,' highlighting goodness, bravery, and honesty. Each section connects the stories to broader literary and ethical concepts, encouraging children to grapple with life's problems and develop good citizenship, concluding with a list of other recommended reading materials.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to understanding
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This text reflects the educational philosophy of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where literature was seen as a primary tool for moral instruction and character building in American schools. The references to specific authors and series indicate a period of developing standardized school curricula.
Plot Beats (11)
- Introduction to the purpose of the 'Suggestions to Teachers': to aid children in grappling with ethical questions and preparing for good citizenship.
- Discussion of 'Old Pipes and the Dryad', linking it to Greek myths and highlighting the moral that helping others brings strength and youth.
- Questions posed about 'Old Pipes and the Dryad' regarding character, morality, and mythological origins.
- Discussion of 'The Bee-Man of Orn', suggesting science lessons and exploring themes of animal affection, appearance vs. reality, and finding good in unpleasant duties.
- Questions posed about 'The Bee-Man of Orn' regarding animal behavior, personal judgment, and self-discovery.
- Discussion of 'The Clocks of Rondaine', connecting it to the history of time-keeping and examining societal values regarding time and progress.
- Questions posed about 'The Clocks of Rondaine' regarding the town's characteristics, the people's priorities, and the story's improbability and truth.
- Discussion of 'The Griffin and the Minor Canon', prompting thoughts on mythical creatures and exploring themes of goodness, bravery, and honesty.
- Questions posed about 'The Griffin and the Minor Canon' regarding the Griffin's knowledge, the characters' actions, and the impact of environment on character.
- Concluding remarks on the value of literature for strengthening the mind and character.
- A list of other books in 'The Scribner Series of School Reading' for supplementary reading.
Characters
Old Pipes ★ protagonist
An old man, likely with the stooped posture and weathered skin typical of someone who has spent a lifetime outdoors, tending to his pipes and the natural world. His build would be lean from an active life, but not frail.
Attire: Simple, rustic clothing suitable for a shepherd or a man of the woods, likely made of rough homespun wool or linen in muted earth tones. Perhaps a tunic, trousers, and sturdy leather sandals or boots, worn from years of use.
Wants: To live a peaceful life playing his pipes and observing nature; later, to help the Dryad.
Flaw: His advanced age and the associated loss of strength and youth.
Transforms from an old, weakening man to a rejuvenated, strong, and happy individual through his act of selfless help.
Loving, helpful, kind, observant, simple, content.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly man with a lean build and weathered, kind face, long unkempt white hair and beard. He wears a simple, loose-fitting tunic of rough brown linen, tied with a rope belt, and sturdy leather sandals. He stands with a slightly stooped but gentle posture, holding a set of panpipes made of natural reeds to his lips. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Dryad ◆ supporting
Ethereal and graceful, with a form that seems to blend with the forest. Her skin might have a faint, natural luminescence or a texture reminiscent of bark or leaves. She would be slender and agile, reflecting her connection to a tree.
Attire: Clothing that appears to be formed from natural elements – perhaps a gown woven from leaves, moss, or delicate flower petals, in shades of green, brown, and white, flowing and ethereal rather than structured.
Wants: To protect her tree and exist peacefully within the forest; to express gratitude to Old Pipes.
Flaw: Her existence is tied to her tree, making her vulnerable if the tree is harmed or if she is separated from it for too long.
Learns about human kindness through Old Pipes and experiences a moment of connection with the human world, culminating in a kiss that restores Old Pipes' youth.
Ethereal, gentle, grateful, somewhat naive about human customs, connected to nature.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young, slender woman with an ethereal beauty, her skin a soft, pale green, and her long, flowing hair a vibrant forest green, intricately woven with delicate white blossoms and small twigs. Her eyes are large and the color of deep emeralds. She wears a flowing gown made of overlapping, translucent green leaves, appearing to be part of her form. She stands with an elegant, upright posture, her arms gently extended. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Bee-Man of Orn ★ protagonist
An old man, described as 'ugly' but with a gentle demeanor. His body might be somewhat stooped from years of tending bees, perhaps with calloused hands. His ugliness is more a matter of rough features than malevolence.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing suitable for a bee-keeper, likely made of coarse, durable fabric in muted colors, perhaps a smock or tunic, trousers, and sturdy boots, possibly stained with honey or propolis.
Wants: To live peacefully with his bees; later, to discover his true identity and past.
Flaw: His perceived ugliness and his uncertainty about his own origins, which makes him vulnerable to the Junior Sorcerer's suggestion.
Embarks on a journey to discover his past, initially believing he was transformed from something else, only to find contentment in his current identity and the realization that his true self is the kind Bee-Man.
Gentle, kind, solitary, observant, content, humble, somewhat self-deprecating.
Image Prompt & Upload
An old, rugged man with a kind, weathered face, a broad nose, and deep-set, gentle eyes. His gray hair and beard are unkempt and tangled. He wears a simple, loose-fitting tunic of coarse, honey-stained linen and sturdy brown leather boots. He stands with a slightly hunched posture, holding a traditional straw bee-skep, with several bees gently buzzing around him. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Junior Sorcerer ◆ supporting
Likely appears youthful and perhaps a bit flamboyant, as befits a sorcerer, but with an air of inexperience. He would be of average build, perhaps a bit slender, with a focus on his magical attire.
Attire: More elaborate than common folk, but perhaps not as grand as a senior sorcerer. He might wear robes of a rich, dark fabric like velvet or silk, embroidered with arcane symbols, perhaps in deep blues or purples, with a pointed hat.
Wants: To apply his magical knowledge, solve mysteries, and advance his career as a sorcerer.
Flaw: Over-reliance on logic and magical theory, leading him to misinterpret situations and overlook simple truths.
Serves as a catalyst for the Bee-Man's journey, but his own understanding of truth is challenged by the Bee-Man's simple wisdom.
Intelligent, analytical, somewhat arrogant, well-meaning but misguided, eager to prove himself.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man with a slender build and a sharp, intelligent face, with dark, neatly styled hair and keen, observant eyes. He wears a deep blue velvet robe embroidered with silver arcane symbols, and a matching pointed sorcerer's hat. He stands with a confident, slightly academic posture, holding a small, faintly glowing crystal orb in his hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Lord of the Domain ○ minor
A figure of authority, likely well-fed and imposing, reflecting his status. His build would be robust and commanding.
Attire: Rich, formal attire befitting a lord, such as a tunic of fine wool or silk, perhaps embroidered, with a heavy cloak, and possibly a jeweled belt or insignia of office. Colors would be deep and regal, like crimson or forest green.
Wants: To maintain order and administer his domain; to understand the strange case of the Bee-Man.
Flaw: Relies on external appearances and established procedures, potentially missing deeper truths.
Serves as a judge in the Bee-Man's quest, ultimately confirming the Bee-Man's identity.
Authoritative, somewhat detached, accustomed to being obeyed, but ultimately fair.
Image Prompt & Upload
A robust, middle-aged man with a dignified, stern face, a neatly trimmed dark beard, and well-groomed dark hair. He wears a rich crimson tunic of fine wool, embroidered with gold thread, and a heavy, dark green velvet cloak fastened with a large silver clasp. He stands with an imposing, upright posture, a heavy silver signet ring on his right hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Arla ★ protagonist
A young woman, likely slender and agile from her constant movement and attention to time. Her features would be sharp and alert, reflecting her keen observation.
Attire: Practical, sturdy clothing suitable for someone who moves around a lot and works with mechanisms. Perhaps a simple linen dress or tunic, with a durable apron, in muted but clean colors, reflecting her diligence.
Wants: To ensure the clocks of Rondaine are accurate and to understand the true nature of time.
Flaw: Initially, her isolation in her concern for accurate time, making her feel alone in her pursuit.
Initially feels alone in her quest for accurate time but eventually finds others who share her understanding, becoming a leader in bringing true time to Rondaine.
Diligent, observant, responsible, determined, practical, somewhat isolated in her concern for accuracy.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman with a slender build and an intelligent, earnest face, with bright, alert eyes. Her light brown hair is neatly braided and coiled at the back of her head. She wears a practical, sturdy linen dress in a muted blue, with a clean white apron tied at the waist. She stands with an attentive, upright posture, holding a small, intricately crafted silver pocket watch in her left hand and a tiny brass screwdriver in her right. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Griffin ★ protagonist
A magnificent creature with the body of a lion, the head and forelegs of an eagle, and large, feathered wings. Its size would be imposing, its muscles powerful, and its feathers and fur pristine.
Attire: None, as it is a creature, but its natural form is its 'attire'. Its feathers would be sharp and clean, its fur sleek.
Wants: To observe the world from its high perch; to find something truly good and worthy of its attention; to understand humanity.
Flaw: Its pride and initial disdain for humanity, which makes it isolated.
Begins as a detached, critical observer of humanity but learns to appreciate goodness, bravery, and honesty through its interactions with the Minor Canon, eventually becoming a protector and friend.
Proud, intelligent, solitary, observant, philosophical, initially arrogant but capable of learning and valuing goodness.
Image Prompt & Upload
A majestic griffin, with the powerful, muscular body of a golden-maned lion and the regal head and forelegs of a golden eagle. Its large, feathered wings are spread slightly, revealing intricate patterns of brown and gold feathers. Its eyes are piercing and intelligent. It stands with a proud, imposing posture, looking forward. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Minor Canon ★ protagonist
A man of modest build, perhaps a bit unassuming in appearance, but with an inner strength and gentle demeanor. He would not be physically imposing but would exude quiet resilience.
Attire: Simple, dignified clerical attire, such as a black cassock or a dark, unadorned robe, reflecting his humble position and focus on spiritual matters rather than worldly display.
Wants: To serve his community, fulfill his duties, and live a life of goodness and truth.
Flaw: His humility might make him overlooked or underestimated by others; his dedication to duty could put him in danger.
Demonstrates unwavering goodness and bravery, earning the respect and friendship of the formidable Griffin, and proving that true virtue can change even the most cynical of hearts.
Good, brave, honest, humble, compassionate, dedicated, unwavering in his principles.
Image Prompt & Upload
A gentle, middle-aged man of average build with a kind, thoughtful face, dark, neatly combed hair, and serene brown eyes. He wears a simple, unadorned black cassock with a white clerical collar. He stands with a calm, upright posture, his hands clasped gently in front of him. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Old Pipes' Forest Home
A secluded, ancient forest, likely in a temperate European climate, with a small, rustic dwelling belonging to Old Pipes. The air would be filled with the sounds of nature and the music of his pipes.
Mood: Peaceful, natural, slightly melancholic but with underlying magic.
Old Pipes lives here, plays his pipes, and encounters the Dryad, beginning their relationship.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, weathered timber hut, possibly with a thatched roof, nestled deep within an ancient European forest. Sunlight filters through a dense canopy of oak and beech trees, dappling the mossy forest floor. A clear, winding stream flows nearby, reflecting the green foliage. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Dryad's Tree
A specific, ancient tree within the forest, which is the physical manifestation and home of the Dryad. It would be a prominent and perhaps unusually beautiful tree, possibly an oak or a similar long-lived species, suggesting a deep connection to the earth.
Mood: Magical, sacred, vital, and vulnerable.
The Dryad emerges from and returns to this tree, representing her life force and connection to nature.
Image Prompt & Upload
A colossal, ancient oak tree stands majestically in a sun-dappled European forest, its gnarled branches reaching skyward. Its bark is deeply furrowed and covered in patches of vibrant green moss, and its massive roots spread like veins across the forest floor, intertwining with ferns and wild flowers. Golden light filters through its dense canopy, creating a serene and mystical glow. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Village
A small, rural European village, likely with simple, traditional houses and a communal area. The villagers are characterized by their practical, somewhat materialistic concerns, contrasting with the natural world of Old Pipes and the Dryad.
Mood: Busy, mundane, community-focused, slightly suspicious of the unknown.
The Dryad interacts with the villagers, leading to a misunderstanding about money and their perception of her.
Image Prompt & Upload
A quaint, bustling European village square, paved with uneven cobblestones, surrounded by half-timbered houses with red-tiled roofs. Villagers in simple attire go about their daily tasks, some gathered around a stone well, others tending to market stalls. The sky is a clear, bright blue, and the sun casts sharp shadows across the square. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.