Goat-Feathers

"Goat-Feathers" by Ellis Parker Butler is an entertaining early 1900's-era essay where the author discusses the little things that take people away from what they really want to do. The story uses the idea of "goat-feathers," which stand for all the unimportant things that stop people from reaching their goals. The text thinks about Butler's own experiences with these "goat-feathers' and what effect they have on being successful in both arts and in life. Butler tells funny stories about how he chose to do things like be on different groups and go to meetings, instead of focusing on his writing. He talks about how these "goat-feather" tasks are different from the important job of being a humorist, and that success needs focus and dedication. Butler uses humor and colorful comparisons to show how important it is to concentrate and not get sidetracked, and it tells readers to not let distractions lead them away from what they truly care about.