The Piper by Alice Meynell (1897)

Name: The Piper
Author: Alice Meynell

The Piper by Alice Meynell is a poem that tells the story of a piper who leads children on a journey through the countryside, only to abandon them in the woods when they are too tired to continue. The poem explores themes of trust, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. It is a haunting and thought-provoking work that has stood the test of time, and continues to be studied and admired by readers today.

By Alice Meynell · First published 1897 · Genre: Poetry, Literature, Religious · 179 words

First lines

PIPING down the valleys wild,

Piping songs of pleasant glee,

On a cloud I saw a child,

And he laughing said to me:-

What this Textopian page supports

The Piper is listed on Textopian as a short story by Alice Meynell, dated 1897 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Alice Meynell
Date: 1897 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Literature, Religious
Length: 179 words
Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — Alice Meynell is an acclaimed English poet, and 'The Piper' is a reflection of her poetic style. It uses lyrical language and explores themes commonly found in poetry.
Literature — Meynell's 'The Piper' is considered a piece of classic literature. It appeals to readers who appreciate finely crafted texts, rich in language and themes.
Religious — Alice Meynell was known for her Catholic faith and spiritual writings. The themes of spirituality and faith can be traced in 'The Piper'.