Bethlehem-Town by Eugene Field
The poem tells the story of a child's birth in Bethlehem, but it does not refer to Jesus Christ. Instead, it describes a modern child born in a small Pennsylvania town called Bethlehem. The poem explores themes of innocence, hope, and redemption.
By Eugene Field · First published 1894 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Lyrical Poetry · 373 words
First lines
AS I was going to Bethlehem-town, Upon the earth I cast me down All underneath a little tree That whispered in this wise to me: "Oh, I shall stand on Calvary And bear what burthen saveth thee!"
As up I fared to Bethlehem-town, I met a shepherd coming down, And thus he quoth: "A wondrous sight Hath spread before mine eyes this night, -- An angel host most fair to see, That sung full sweetly of a tree That shall uplift on Calvary What burthen saveth you and me!"
What this Textopian page supports
Bethlehem-Town is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Lyrical Poetry, Spiritual Literature, Christmas Literature
- Length: 373 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Bethlehem-Town by Eugene Field
- 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 Bethlehem-Town?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Holly And Ivy by Eugene Field
- Christmas Hymn by Eugene Field
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- The Grandsire by Eugene Field
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The poem explores themes of Christ's birth and sacrifice, central to Christian beliefs.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story about the journey to Bethlehem and the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.
- Lyrical Poetry — The poem expresses deep emotions and reflections on faith and redemption.
- Spiritual Literature — The work delves into spiritual themes and the significance of Christ's life and death.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Christmas · Holiday · Religious · Spiritual · Historical Fiction · Short Story · Classic · Vintage · Rural Life · Small Town