Fiddle-Dee-Dee by Eugene Field
The poem tells the story of a boy who runs away from his nurse and gets lost in the woods. He encounters various creatures, including a rabbit, a squirrel, and an owl, but ultimately becomes frightened and disoriented. The poem explores themes of childhood innocence, curiosity, and the consequences of disobedience.
By Eugene Field · First published 1890 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Humor · 377 words
First lines
There once was a bird that lived up in a tree, And all he could whistle was "Fiddle-dee-dee" -- A very provoking, unmusical song For one to be whistling the summer day long! Yet always contented and busy was he With that vocal recurrence of "Fiddle-dee-dee."
Hard by lived a brave little soldier of four, That weird iteration repented him sore; "I prithee, Dear-Mother-Mine! fetch me my gun, For, by our St. Didy! the deed must be done That shall presently rid all creation and me Of that ominous bird and his 'Fiddle-dee-dee'!"
What this Textopian page supports
Fiddle-Dee-Dee is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Humor, Fantasy, Fable
- Length: 377 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Fiddle-Dee-Dee 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 Fiddle-Dee-Dee?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The poem is written in a playful and whimsical style, appealing to a young audience with its simple language and engaging narrative.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and rhythm, characteristic of poetic forms.
- Humor — The absurdity of the situation and the playful tone contribute to a humorous interpretation of the conflict between the soldier and the bird.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes fantastical elements, such as a talking bird and a child soldier, creating an imaginative world.
Tags
Children's literature · Poetry · Humor · Whimsy · Imagination · Fantasy · Nonsense verse · Playful language · Rhythm · Rhyme · Wordplay · Youthful