[This blog spoils the main plot of the story but leaves much of the details out.]
The story revolves around a dwarven (short) court jester who is mistreated by a tyrannical king, a king who likes playing practical jokes. At first, it almost sounds like a children's story, but it gets dark pretty quickly. As far as I can tell, no other Poe story starts off in such a silly and relaxed way. I liked it.
As I said, the tale is a revenge story, but the revenge is taken up by a very clever jester, and that is what makes it special. He doesn't just kill the king; he kills the king in style. He kills the king in both a hilarious and frightening manner, and I won't spoil how. In fact, I've already spoiled a bit much, and I think the picture I chose may spoil it a bit more.
Either way, the story is short, and you should read it. I recommend "Hop-Frog" mainly because it is extremely entertaining for a Poe story. Really, I think this places a good second for me of all the stories I have read of his, and I don't really care for much of his works. Good stuff!
This blog was written on December 25, 2022. Merry Christmas!
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This was a very powerful story. It was dark and cold. The indifference of the king and his councilors, the distress of the girl and the hatred of Hop-Frog could be felt by the reader. It was murder as something entirely personal.
ReplyDeleteIt was grim-dark, but it was also a good satisfying ending.
Delete"Hop-Frog" is indeed a dark story, both the King's cruelty and Hop-Frog's clever vengeance explore darkness. It's a short story with a very powerful punch.
ReplyDeleteIt goes to prove that dark doesn't always mean bad.
DeleteIt is a simple tale of revenge that is darkly humorous. This story is a reminder not to assume anyone is truly helpless. The consequences can be dire indeed.
ReplyDeleteIt is incredibly grim, but they entirely had it coming.
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