Der Mann Im Keller by Eugene Field
The story revolves around a man who lives in a cellar, where he has been imprisoned for an unknown period of time. He has no memory of his past and does not know why he is being held captive. The only connection to the outside world is through a small window high above his head, which allows him to see the sky and the tops of trees.
By Eugene Field · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Humor · 264 words
First lines
How cool and fair this cellar where My throne a dusky cask is; To do no thing but just to sing And drown the time my task is. The cooper he's Resolved to please, And, answering to my winking, He fills me up Cup after cup For drinking, drinking, drinking.
Begrudge me not This cosy spot In which I am reclining -- Why, who would burst With envious thirst, When he can live by wining. A roseate hue seems to imbue The world on which I'm blinking; My fellow-men -- I love them when I'm drinking, drinking, drinking.
What this Textopian page supports
Der Mann Im Keller is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Humor, Romanticism, Narrative
- Length: 264 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Der Mann Im Keller by Eugene Field
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions related to drinking and contentment.
- Humor — The light-hearted tone and playful approach to the subject of drinking suggest elements of humor.
- Romanticism — The poem reflects themes of nature, emotion, and individual experience, typical of Romantic literature.
Tags
Mystery · Thriller · Suspense · Detective · Crime · Investigation · Murder · Death · Secrets · Deception · Betrayal · Lies