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Cover of The Cheerful Smugglers

The Cheerful Smugglers

Written by Ellis Parker Butler

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Humorous storiesFamily lifeSaving and investment

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About this book

"The Cheerful Smugglers" by Ellis Parker Butler is a humorous novel written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around the Fenelby family, particularly Tom and Laura, as they devise a whimsical domestic tariff system to save money for their baby, Bobberts, in hopes of funding his future education. The story unfolds through their quirky domestic interactions, which reveal the dynamics of family life, the absurdities of their plans, and entertaining exchanges influenced by the notion of taxation applied to household purchases. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Fenelby family, where the father, Mr. Fenelby, proposes a unique concept for raising funds for Bobberts’ education: implementing a domestic tariff, where they will tax themselves for every item brought into the house. The planning and brainstorming unfold in a playful tone, showcasing the quirky personalities of Tom and Laura as they navigate saving money while also managing their household, including a humorous dynamic with their servant Bridget. Their domestic tariff leads to comedic situations, particularly as the family prepares to welcome guests, indicating the potential chaos that will ensue as they apply their unconventional savings plan to everyday life.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Cheerful Smugglers, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 7 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • lighthearted
  • witty

Ellis Parker Butler's "The Cheerful Smugglers" is a delightful early 20th-century humorous novel centered on the quirky Fenelby family, particularly Tom and Laura. Driven by the desire to fund their baby Bobberts' future education, Mr. Fenelby devises an absurd domestic tariff system, taxing every item brought into their home. The narrative comically explores the couple's efforts to implement this unconventional savings plan, leading to a series of farcical situations and witty exchanges. Through their interactions, including those with their servant Bridget and anticipated guests, the book satirizes financial planning, bureaucratic systems, and the dynamics of family life with a lighthearted touch.

“"We must tax ourselves, Laura, for Bobberts' education! Every item that crosses this threshold shall bear its burden."”

Key themes

Domestic Economics and Financial Planning
The central theme revolves around the Fenelbys' unique and often absurd approach to saving money for their son's future. By implementing a 'domestic tariff,' the book explores the challenges, paradoxes, and humorous side of personal finance and household budgeting, satirizing the serious nature of economic principles when applied to everyday life.
The Absurdity of Bureaucracy and Systems
The novel highlights the inherent absurdity that can arise when rigid systems and bureaucratic rules are applied to dynamic, often illogical, human situations. The Fenelbys' attempt to run their household like a nation-state, complete with imports, tariffs, and potential smuggling, exposes the comical disconnect between theoretical frameworks and practical realities.
Family Dynamics and Cooperation
The interactions between Tom and Laura, and their relationship with Bridget, form the core of the narrative's exploration of family life. The book humorously portrays the give-and-take in a marriage, the challenges of working together towards a common goal, and the generational or class differences that can lead to comedic misunderstandings within a household.

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How does the Fenelby family's domestic tariff system satirize real-world economic policies and bureaucratic systems?

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