Apple-Pie and Cheese by Eugene Field
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past time and place. It describes a rural landscape with apple trees and cheese-making, evoking a sense of simplicity and contentment. The speaker expresses a desire to return to this idyllic setting, suggesting a disconnection from the present and a yearning for a more peaceful and serene way of life.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Cultural Commentary · 713 words
First lines
Full many a sinful notion / Conceived of foreign powers / Has come across the ocean / To harm this land of ours; / And heresies called fashions / Have modesty effaced, / And baleful, morbid passions / Corrupt our native taste. / O tempora! O mores! / What profanations these / That seek to dim the glories / Of apple-pie and cheese!
I'm glad my education / Enables me to stand / Against the vile temptation / Held out on every hand; / Eschewing all the tittles / With vanity replete, / I'm loyal to the victuals / Our grandsires used to eat! / I'm glad I've got three willing boys / To hang around and tease / Their mother for the filling joys / Of apple-pie and cheese!
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Humor — The poem uses light-hearted and humorous language to convey its themes about food and cultural preferences.
- Cultural Commentary — The poem reflects on American traditions and critiques foreign influences on native customs.
- Nostalgia — The poem evokes feelings of nostalgia for simpler times and traditional foods.
Tags
Children's literature · Poetry · Humor · Whimsy · Nostalgia · Rural life · American culture · Food · Family · Tradition · Simple pleasures · Childhood innocence
What this Textopian page supports
Apple-Pie and Cheese 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, Humor, Cultural Commentary, Nostalgia, Food Literature
- Length: 713 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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