Me and Bilkammle by Eugene Field
The poem tells the story of a child's fantasy world where he imagines himself as a brave warrior who fights dragons and other mythical creatures. The child's imagination is fueled by his desire for adventure and bravery, which allows him to escape the mundane reality of his daily life. Through this fantasy world, the child learns valuable lessons about courage, perseverance, and the importance of using one's imagination.
By Eugene Field · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 311 words
First lines
I will, if you choose, Impart you some news That will greatly astound you, I know; You would never suspect My ambition was wreck'd 'Till you heard my confession of woe. 'Tis not that my boom Has ascended the flume -- In other words, gone up the spout -- I could smile a sweet smile This tempestuous while, But me and Bilkammle are out!
Being timid and shrinkin', He did all the thinkin', When _I_ did the talkin' worth mention; 'Twas my constant ambition To soar to position So I gave it exclusive attention; And supposin' that he Would of course be for me, I rambled and prattled about 'Till I found to my horror, Vexation, and sorror, That me and Bilkammle were out.
What this Textopian page supports
Me and Bilkammle 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, Satire, Narrative, Lyric
- Length: 311 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Me and Bilkammle by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Me and Bilkammle?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Humor — The poem contains elements of humor through its playful language and absurd situations.
- Satire — The poem critiques ambition and the pitfalls of relying on others, using irony to convey its message.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story of personal ambition and disappointment, following a character's journey.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Autobiography · Memoir · American Literature · 19th Century · Childhood · Family · Relationships · Growing Up · Coming of Age · Nostalgia