The Bicyclers and Three Other Farces

"The Bicyclers and Three Other Farces" by John Kendrick Bangs is a compilation of funny plays from the late 1800s. The main story, "The Bicyclers," centers on Mr. Thaddeus Perkins as he cautiously decides to learn how to ride a bicycle, thanks to his excited friends and family. The story shows the funny talks and relationships between the characters as they deal with learning to bike, their friendships, and what society expects of them. As "The Bicyclers" begins, Mr. and Mrs. Perkins are in their living room, where Thaddeus shares his worries about cycling, but his wife encourages him. Their friends Mr. Bradley and Mr. Yardsley come to teach him, and the story becomes funny with clever jokes and Thaddeus' funny fears about riding. Adding to the humor, Mrs. Bradley goes on her own bike ride but gets arrested for not having a light, which is revealed in a phone call. This crazy but fun beginning lets the reader know the play is a joke, hinting at the funny problems to come.