Thanksgiving-Day by Carolyn Wells
The poem captures the exuberance and joy of Thanksgiving Day, highlighting the festive atmosphere created by children engaging in playful activities. The imagery of laughter and masquerades illustrates the spirit of celebration, as boys and girls don costumes and make noise with tin horns. The contrast between the youthful revelry and the more reserved demeanor of older women, who remain in traditional attire, emphasizes generational differences in how the holiday is celebrated. The children’s enthusiasm for escapades and masquerades reflects a carefree approach to life, while the older generation's reluctance to join in the chaos suggests a sense of propriety and nostalgia. The poem encapsulates the essence of Thanksgiving as a time for joy, community, and the innocent pleasures of childhood, while also hinting at the complexities of social roles and expectations during festive occasions. The lively depiction of the day serves as a reminder of the simple joys that come with gratitude and togetherness, making it a cherished time for all.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1920 · Genre: Children's literature, Holiday literature, Fiction · 133 words
First lines
When Autumn brings around the day Devoted to thanksgiving, The children scream with laughter gay For very joy of living.
And every sort of escapade Receives their commendation; But all agree a masquerade Is best for celebration.
The boys and girls all swarm around The crowd is hourly growing; Straw hatted and grotesquely gowned, -- With tin horns loudly blowing.
But dear old dames with snowy puffs, Tulle caps and Mechlin laces, Don't scramble out and join the toughs In boys' clothes and false faces.
What this Textopian page supports
Thanksgiving-Day is listed on Textopian as a short story by Carolyn Wells, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Carolyn Wells
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's literature, Holiday literature, Fiction
- Length: 133 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Thanksgiving-Day by Carolyn Wells
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Thanksgiving-Day?
- How does this short story by Carolyn Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Thanksgiving by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- The Night Before Thanksgiving by Sarah Orne Jewett
- Characters A Christmas Dinner by Charles Dickens
- Christmas Day At Kirkby Cottage by Anthony Trollope
- Christmas by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Michael Godwins Xmas Box by Katharine Tynan
Genres
- Children's literature — The protagonist is a young boy and the story is told in a simplistic, child-friendly manner. The themes presented in the story also tend to resonate with younger audiences.
- Holiday literature — The main event around which the plot revolves is the holiday of Thanksgiving. Its customs and significance are discussed in detail.
- Fiction — The characters and events are created by the author, which makes the narrative fictitious and not based on real events or people.
Tags
Thanksgiving · holiday · family · celebration · tradition · feasting · gratitude · American culture · fiction · novel · relationships · community