Intry-Mintry by Eugene Field (1890)
The poem explores the theme of childhood innocence and the passing of time. It describes a child's wonder at the natural world and their gradual loss of innocence as they grow older. The poem uses imagery and symbolism to convey this theme, with the "try-mintry" refrain suggesting the repetitive and rhythmic nature of childhood games and rhymes.
By Eugene Field · First published 1890 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy · 501 words
First lines
WILLIE and Bess, Georgie and May, -- Once as these children were hard at play, An old man, hoary and tottering, came And watched them playing their pretty game.
He seemed to wonder, while standing there, What the meaning thereof could be.
What this Textopian page supports
Intry-Mintry 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, Fantasy, Nostalgia, Literary Fiction
- Length: 501 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Intry-Mintry 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 Intry-Mintry?
- 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 features children at play and incorporates a playful rhyme, appealing to a young audience.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetic form.
- Fantasy — The presence of Father Time and the whimsical nature of the children's game introduce fantastical elements.
- Nostalgia — The poem reflects on childhood innocence and the passage of time, evoking a sense of longing for the past.
Tags
Nursery Rhyme · Children's Literature · Fantasy · Imagination · Whimsical · Playful · Rhyming Verse · Poetry · Classic · Vintage · Illustrated · Youthful