Our Whippings by Eugene Field (1896)
The poem explores the theme of childhood innocence and the passing of time. It describes a carefree summer day where children play freely, unaware of the hardships of adulthood. The speaker reflects on this memory, noting how it has been lost with the passage of time. The poem's tone is nostalgic and melancholic, evoking a sense of longing for a lost era of innocence.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Autobiographical, Nostalgia · 730 words
First lines
COME, Harvey, let us sit awhile and talk about the times Before you went to selling clothes and I to peddling rhymes, -- The days when we were little boys, as naughty little boys As ever worried home folks with their everlasting noise! Egad! and were we so disposed, I'll venture we could show The scars of wallopings we got some forty years ago; What wallopings I mean I think I need not specify, -- Mother's whippings didn't hurt; but father's, -- oh, my!
What this Textopian page supports
Our Whippings 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, Autobiographical, Nostalgia, Humor, Family
- Length: 730 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Our Whippings by Eugene Field
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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.
- Autobiographical — The poem reflects on childhood experiences and memories, suggesting autobiographical elements.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around reminiscing about childhood and the past, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
- Humor — The poem uses humor to depict childhood mischief and parental discipline.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · American Literature · 19th Century · Poetry · Whimsical · Witty · Irony · Dark Humor · Morality Tales · Fables