Plaint of the Missouri 'Coon in the Berlin Zoolo
The poem tells the story of a coon that escapes from the Berlin Zoological Gardens and explores the city before being recaptured. The coon's adventure is described in vivid detail, showcasing its cunning and resourcefulness. Through the coon's journey, the poem also touches on themes of freedom, confinement, and the human relationship with nature.
By Eugene Field · First published 1894 · Genre: Humor, Social Commentary, Poetry · 736 words
First lines
Friend, by the way you hump yourself you're from the States, I know, / And born in old Mizzourah, where the 'coons in plenty grow; / I, too, am a native of that clime, but harsh, relentless fate / Has doomed me to an exile far from that noble state, / And I, who used to climb around and swing from tree to tree, / Now lead a life of ignominious ease, as you can see.
Have pity, O compatriot mine! and bide a season near / While I unfurl a dismal tale to catch your friendly ear.
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Genres
- Humor — The poem employs satire and wit to comment on cultural differences and the absurdity of the speaker's situation.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on themes of identity, exile, and the contrast between American and German cultures.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter characteristic of poetry.
- Animal Fiction — The narrative is presented from the perspective of a raccoon, anthropomorphizing the animal to express human-like thoughts and feelings.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Wildlife · Zoo · Berlin · Travel · Observation · Whimsy · Storytelling
What this Textopian page supports
Plaint of the Missouri 'Coon in the Berlin Zoological Gardens is listed on Textopian as a fable 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: Fable
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Social Commentary, Poetry, Animal Fiction, Satire
- Length: 736 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Plaint of the Missouri 'Coon in the Berlin Zoological Gardens by Eugene Field
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