The Convalescent Gripster
The story revolves around a sickly child who is advised to take a trip to the mountains for his health. During the journey, he meets a gruff but kind old man who becomes his companion and teaches him about nature and its wonders. Through their experiences together, the child learns valuable lessons about life, friendship, and the importance of appreciating the beauty in the world around him.
By Eugene Field · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Personal Reflection · 416 words
First lines
The gods let slip that fiendish grip Upon me last week Sunday -- No fiercer storm than racked my form E'er swept the Bay of Fundy; But now, good-by To drugs, say I -- Good-by to gnawing sorrow; I am up to-day, And, whoop, hooray! I'm going out to-morrow!
What aches and pain in bones and brain I had I need not mention; It seemed to me such pangs must be Old Satan's own invention; Albeit I Was sure I'd die, The doctor reassured me -- And, true enough, With his vile stuff, He ultimately cured me.
What this Textopian page supports
The Convalescent Gripster is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Personal Reflection, Medical, Nature
- Length: 416 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Convalescent Gripster 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 Convalescent Gripster?
- 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
- Horace I 13 by Eugene Field
- The Tea Gown by Eugene Field
- The Discreet Collector by Eugene Field
- Beard And Baby by Eugene Field
- The Romance Of A Watch by Eugene Field
- The Perpetual Wooing by Eugene Field
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The poem uses wit and light-heartedness to address the experience of illness and recovery.
- Personal Reflection — The poem reflects on personal experiences of illness and the joy of recovery.
- Medical — The poem discusses themes related to illness, treatment, and the process of healing.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Social commentary · Irony · Wit · Sarcastic tone · Critique of society · Middle-class life · Marriage · Family dynamics · Domesticity · Bourgeois values