John Smith by Eugene Field (1892)
The story revolves around a young boy who lives with his aunt and uncle on a farm. He is unhappy with his life and feels trapped. One day, he discovers a mysterious stranger who has been injured in the nearby woods. The boy decides to help the stranger, which leads him into a world of adventure and danger.
By Eugene Field · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Literary Fiction · 1,574 words
First lines
To-day I strayed in Charing Cross as wretched as could be With thinking of my home and friends across the tumbling sea; There was no water in my eyes, but my spirits were depressed And my heart lay like a sodden, soggy doughnut in my breast.
This way and that streamed multitudes, that gayly passed me by -- Not one in all the crowd knew me and not a one knew I! "Oh, for a touch of home! " I sighed; "oh, for a friendly face! Oh, for a hearty handclasp in this teeming desert place! " And so, soliloquizing as a homesick creature will, Incontinent, I wandered down the noisy, bustling hill And drifted, automatic-like and vaguely, into Lowe's, Where Fortune had in store a panacea for my woes.
What this Textopian page supports
John Smith is listed on Textopian as a short story by Eugene Field, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Nostalgia
- Length: 1,574 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Humor — The poem uses wit and satire to explore themes of identity and American culture.
- Literary Fiction — The poem reflects on personal and national identity, showcasing depth in character and theme.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques and reflects on American society and the concept of the everyman.
Tags
American Literature · Biography · Historical Figure · Non-Fiction · Autobiographical · Memoir · 19th Century · History · Politics · Society · Culture · Inspirational