Barbara by Eugene Field (1897)
The poem tells the story of a young girl who dies from a fever. The narrator describes her beauty and innocence, and how she was loved by everyone in the village. He expresses his grief and sense of loss at her passing, and describes the funeral procession and burial. The poem explores themes of mortality, loss, and the fleeting nature of life.
By Eugene Field · First published 1897 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy · 530 words
First lines
BLITHE was the youth that summer day, As he smote at the ribs of earth, And he plied his pick with a merry click, And he whistled anon in mirth; And the constant thought of his dear one's face Seemed to illumine that ghostly place.
The gaunt earth envied the lover's joy, And she moved, and closed on his head: With no one nigh and with never a cry The beautiful boy lay dead; And the treasure he sought for his sweetheart fair Crumbled, and clung to his glorious hair.
What this Textopian page supports
Barbara is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1897 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: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Tragedy, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 530 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Barbara by Eugene Field
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and loss, highlighting the emotional bond between the characters.
- Tragedy — The narrative explores themes of death and sorrow, culminating in a tragic conclusion.
- Literary Fiction — The work delves into deep emotional and philosophical themes, typical of literary fiction.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Children's Poetry · Whimsical · Imagination · Fantasy · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Morality Tales · Fables