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: Fairly Easy (7th 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
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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