In "The Night the Bed Fell" by James Thurber, the narrator recounts a chaotic night in his Columbus, Ohio home when his bed collapses, causing his paranoid mother to believe her husband is trapped under a fallen headboard. The ensuing commotion involves family members' eccentric behaviors, mistaken beliefs, and frantic actions, humorously escalating before the misunderstandings are resolved.

A reader who would enjoy James Thurber's The Night the Bed Fell appreciates witty, humorous short stories with a touch of absurdity. Fans of Thurber's My Life and Hard Times or those who enjoy the comedic tone of P.G. Wodehouse's Jeeves series will find this tale delightful and engaging.

James Thurber's autobiographical story, "The Night the Bed Fell," receives high praise for its witty narrative, insightful humor, and relatable family dynamics. Reviewers appreciate Thurber's comedic timing and vivid character descriptions. Some, however, feel the humor occasionally overshadows deeper themes. Overall, it is considered an engaging and amusing read.

Humorous / Playful / Unnerving / Nostalgic

- The Night the Bed Fell is one of the stories in My Life and Hard Times, a collection of autobiographical essays by James Thurber that humorously illustrate the eccentricities of his family and his own comedic misadventures.
- James Thurber was known for his wit and use of caricatures, often incorporating absurd and exaggerated scenarios in his stories, a style evident in his depiction of events in The Night the Bed Fell.
- This particular story showcases Thurber's knack for blending real-life events with humor and imagination, establishing his reputation as a leading American humorist of the 20th century.

Plot Summary

Book Brief

Explore The Night the Bed Fell reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Book Brief The Night the Bed Fell

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Night the Bed Fell and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Night the Bed Fell

Book Brief

The Night the Bed Fell

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Night the Bed Fell?