A Paraphrase, Ostensibly by Dr. I. W
The poem explores the theme of childhood innocence and nostalgia through the speaker's reminiscence of a carefree summer day spent playing with a friend in a wheat field. The speaker describes the joy and freedom of their youth, contrasting it with the hardships and responsibilities of adulthood. The poem also touches on the idea of the passing of time and how memories can evoke strong emotions.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Romantic Literature · 115 words
First lines
Why, Mistress Chloe, do you bother With prattlings and with vain ado Your worthy and industrious mother, Eschewing them that come to woo?
Oh, that the awful truth might quicken This stern conviction to your breast: You are no longer now a chicken Too young to quit the parent nest.
So put aside your froward carriage And fix your thoughts, whilst yet there's time, Upon the righteousness of marriage With some such godly man as I'm.
What this Textopian page supports
A Paraphrase, Ostensibly by Dr. I. W is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Romantic Literature, Humor, Social Commentary
- Length: 115 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Paraphrase, Ostensibly by Dr. I. W by Eugene Field
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Paraphrase, Ostensibly by Dr. I. W?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Satire — The text critiques social norms regarding marriage and courtship, using humor and irony.
- Romantic Literature — The themes revolve around love, courtship, and the institution of marriage.
- Humor — The playful tone and witty language suggest a humorous approach to serious subjects.
Tags
Satire · Humor · Literary Criticism · Parody · Irony · Wit · Sarcastic · Tongue-in-cheek · Mocking · Ironic · Playful · Lighthearted