The Boltons, 22 by Eugene Field
The story revolves around a family's struggles and triumphs, exploring themes of poverty, class, and social mobility. The narrative delves into the lives of the parents and their three children, portraying their daily hardships, relationships, and personal growth.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Humor · 895 words
First lines
WHEN winter nights are grewsome, and the heavy, yellow fog Gives to Piccadilly semblance of a dank, malarious bog; When a demon, with companion in similitude of bell, Goes round informing people he has crumpets for to sell; When a weird, asthmatic minstrel haunts your door for hours along, Until you've paid him tu'pence for the thing he calls a song, -- When, in short, the world's against you, and you'd give that world, and more, To lay your weary heart at rest upon your native shore, There's happily one saving thing for you and yours to do: Go call on Isaac Henderson, The Boltons, 22.
What this Textopian page supports
The Boltons, 22 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, Literary Fiction, Humor, Social Commentary, Nostalgia
- Length: 895 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Boltons, 22 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 The Boltons, 22?
- 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 rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes of friendship, warmth, and reflection on life are explored through a narrative style characteristic of literary fiction.
- Humor — The poem contains elements of humor, particularly in its depiction of social interactions and the whimsical nature of the setting.
- Social Commentary — The poem subtly critiques social norms and the human condition, reflecting on companionship and societal expectations.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Family Life · Marriage · Social Class · Wealth · Status · Middle Class · American Culture · Late 19th Century · Domesticity · Gender Roles