Ellis Parker Butler 
Pigs is Pigs 
Navigating Bureaucratic Absurdity: A Humorous Tale of Rules and Pigs

Ellis Parker Butler’s ‘Pigs is Pigs’ is a delightful and humorous novella that explores the bureaucratic absurdity of a situation where a railroad agent is adamant about charging more for two guinea pigs than for two pigs, as he insists they fall under different tariff categories. Written in a light-hearted and satirical tone, the novella serves as a critique of bureaucratic inefficiency and rigidity. The vivid and comical portrayal of the protagonist’s attempts to navigate through a system bound by rules reflects the author’s keen observation of human behavior and society. ‘Pigs is Pigs’ is a prime example of early 20th-century American humor writing, with its witty dialogue and amusing scenarios showcasing Butler’s talent for blending comedy with social commentary. Readers will find themselves chuckling at the absurdity of the situation while also pondering the deeper implications of blind adherence to rules and regulations.