How to "Fill. " by Eugene Field
The poem explores the idea of a child's imagination and creativity being stifled by the constraints of adulthood. It describes a child's desire to hold onto their innocence and sense of wonder, but ultimately succumbing to the pressures of growing up. The poem uses imagery and metaphor to convey the loss of childhood innocence and the struggle to maintain a sense of imagination in the face of societal expectations.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Literary Criticism · 141 words
First lines
It is understood that our esteemed Col. Franc B. Wilkie is going to formulate a reply to Mrs. Ella Wheeler Wilcox's latest poem, which begins as follows:
"I hold it as a changeless law From which no soul can sway or swerve, We have that in us which will draw Whate'er we need or most deserve."
We fancy the genial colonel will start off with some such quatrain as this:
"I fain would have your recipe, If you'll but give the snap away; Now when four clubs are dealt to me, How may I draw another, pray? "
What this Textopian page supports
How to "Fill. " is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Literary Criticism, Satire, Epistolary
- Length: 141 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is primarily a poetic response, showcasing the author's engagement with poetic forms and themes.
- Humor — The playful tone and witty approach to addressing another poet's work indicate a humorous genre.
- Literary Criticism — The text critiques and responds to another poem, placing it within the realm of literary analysis.
- Satire — The light-hearted mockery of poetic conventions suggests elements of satire.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Irony · Wit · Sarcasm · Tongue-in-cheek · Instructional · Parody · Mock guide · Absurdity · Whimsy · Playfulness