Ezra J. M'Manus to a Soubrette
The story revolves around a young boy who befriends a sourette, a young female apprentice to a milliner. The boy's family is poor and he is forced to work in a factory. He finds solace in his friendship with the sourette, who shares her own struggles and hardships. Through their conversations, the narrative explores themes of poverty, class struggle, and the exploitation of the working class during the Industrial Revolution.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 504 words
First lines
'Tis years, soubrette, since last we met, And yet, ah yet, how swift and tender My thoughts go back in Time's dull track To you, sweet pink of female gender! I shall not say -- though others may -- That time all human joy enhances; But the same old thrill comes to me still With memories of your songs and dances.
Soubrettish ways these latter days Invite my praise, but never get it; I still am true to yours and you -- My record's made -- I'll not upset it! The pranks they play, the things they say -- I'd blush to put the like on paper; And I'll avow they don't know how To dance, so awkwardly they caper!
What this Textopian page supports
Ezra J. M'Manus to a Soubrette is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Nostalgia, Humor
- Length: 504 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Ezra J. M'Manus to a Soubrette 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Ezra J. M'Manus to a Soubrette?
- How does this short story by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nostalgia, love, and idealized memories reflect Romantic ideals.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyric poetry.
- Nostalgia — The content focuses on reminiscing about past experiences and relationships.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Epistolary · Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century · Correspondence · Wit · Irony · Social Commentary · Upper Class · High Society