Pigs is Pigs

"Pigs is Pigs" by Ellis Parker Butler is a humorous short story written in the early 20th century. This book revolves around the absurdities of bureaucracy and the often ridiculous nature of rules and regulations, focusing specifically on a dispute over the classification and shipping rates for guinea pigs. The setting is a small express office where the protagonist, Mike Flannery, works as an agent, and his interactions with a frustrated customer, Mr. Morehouse, unfold a comical tale about miscommunication and stubbornness. The narrative begins when Mr. Morehouse attempts to ship his guinea pigs for the pet rate, only to find himself at odds with Flannery, who adheres rigorously to the company's rule that categorizes guinea pigs as pigs, thus assigning them a higher shipping fee. As the story progresses, the situation escalates humorously, with Flannery’s inconsistent calculations leading to an exponential increase in the guinea pig population he must care for. The tale culminates in a chaotic and comical frenzy of packing and shipping the numerous guinea pigs, all while highlighting Flannery's unwavering belief that "pigs is pigs," regardless of the nationality or species involved. Ultimately, the story serves as a light-hearted critique of the complexities of bureaucratic systems and a celebration of human resilience and resourcefulness in the face of ridiculous challenges.