Back to back [Night watches, Part 1.] by W. W. Jacobs
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"Back to Back" by W. W. Jacobs is a humorous short story likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative focuses on Mr. Scutts, an ordinary working-class man who, after a minor railway accident that purportedly leaves him unable to walk, engages in an elaborate scheme involving the railway company and the compensation he believes he deserves. The tale is set against a backdrop of domestic life, featuring the comically exaggerated
concerns and interactions within Mr. Scutts's household and neighborhood. The story begins with Mr. Scutts being brought home after the accident, where he feigns a serious injury to secure potential compensation from the railway company. His wife, Mrs. Scutts, and their neighbor, Mr. Flynn, become involved in a series of misunderstandings and humorous exchanges. As Mr. Scutts revels in his supposed misfortune, Mr. Flynn is roped into pretending to be Mr. Scutts when doctors come to check on his health. The climax unfolds with Mr. Flynn miraculously "recovering" and snatching away the compensation meant for Mr. Scutts, leaving the original invalid in a humorous conundrum. The tale explores themes of deception, the absurdity of claiming compensation, and the dynamics of friendship amidst miscommunication. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Jacobs, W. W. (William Wymark), 1863-1943 |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Davis, Stanley |
| Title | Back to back [Night watches, Part 1.] |
| Credits | Produced by David Widger |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 93.8 (5th grade). Very easy to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PR: Language and Literatures: English literature |
| Subject | Short stories |
| Subject | Humorous stories |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 12151 |
| Release Date | Apr 1, 2004 |
| Last Update | Oct 28, 2024 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 408 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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