The Child's Letter by Eugene Field
The poem is a nostalgic and sentimental portrayal of childhood innocence and simplicity. It expresses the idea that children are pure and untainted by the harsh realities of adulthood, and that they have a unique perspective on the world. The speaker reflects on their own childhood, remembering the joy and wonder of discovery, and lamenting the loss of this innocence as they grew older.
By Eugene Field · First published 1881 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Children's Literature, Drama · 1,340 words
First lines
Everybody was afraid of the old governor because he was so cross and surly. And one morning he was crosser and surlier than ever, because he had been troubled for several days with a matter which he had already decided, but which many people wished to have reversed. A man, found guilty of a crime, had been imprisoned, and there were those who, convinced of his penitence and knowing that his family needed his support, earnestly sought his pardon. To all these solicitations the old governor replied "no," and, having made up his mind, the old governor had no patience with those who persisted in their intercessions. So the old governor was in high dudgeon one morning, and when he came to his office he said to his secretary: "Admit no one to see me; I am weary of these constant and senseless importunities."
What this Textopian page supports
The Child's Letter is listed on Textopian as a short story by Eugene Field, dated 1881 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: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Children's Literature, Drama, Social Commentary, Short Story
- Length: 1,340 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Child's Letter 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 The Child's Letter?
- How does this short story by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The House by Eugene Field
- Over The Hills And Far Away by Eugene Field
- Oh Little Child by Eugene Field
- To A Child Rosamund by Edith Nesbit
- The Little Yaller Baby by Eugene Field
- Hugos Child At Play by Eugene Field
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep emotional themes and character development, particularly the transformation of the old governor through the child's letter.
- Children's Literature — The story centers around a child's perspective and the innocence of childhood, highlighting the impact of a child's letter.
- Drama — The plot involves significant emotional conflict and resolution, focusing on the governor's internal struggle and the societal implications of his decision.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques authority and explores themes of compassion, justice, and the influence of innocence on adult decisions.
Tags
Nostalgia · Childhood · Innocence · Imagination · Fantasy · Playfulness · Curiosity · Youth · Naivety · Simple · Whimsical · Poetic