Krinken by Eugene Field (1894)
The poem tells the story of a group of children who are playing near a frozen pond on a cold winter day. One of them, a boy, ventures too far onto the ice and falls through it, getting wet. The other children try to rescue him but ultimately fail, and he drowns.
By Eugene Field · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Children's Literature · 551 words
First lines
Krinken was a little child, -- It was summer when he smiled. Oft the hoary sea and grim Stretched its white arms out to him, Calling, "Sun-child, come to me; Let me warm my heart with thee! " But the child heard not the sea, Calling, yearning evermore For the summer on the shore.
Krinken on the beach one day Saw a maiden Nis at play; On the pebbly beach she played In the summer Krinken made. Fair, and very fair, was she, Just a little child was he. "Krinken," said the maiden Nis, "Let me have a little kiss, Just a kiss, and go with me To the summer-lands that be Down within the silver sea."
What this Textopian page supports
Krinken is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Children's Literature, Romanticism, Allegory
- Length: 551 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Krinken 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 Krinken?
- How does this poem 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 rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes fantastical elements such as a maiden Nis and a magical summer-sea, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
- Children's Literature — The themes and simplicity of the language cater to a child audience, focusing on innocence and imagination.
- Romanticism — The poem expresses deep emotions and a connection to nature, characteristic of Romantic literature.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Fantasy · Adventure · Children's literature · Imagination · Whimsy · Nonsense verse · Wordplay · Absurdity · Playfulness · Lightheartedness