The Delectable Ballad of the Waller Lot
The poem tells the story of a family's downfall due to their own pride and greed. The Waller family, once noble and respected, becomes embroiled in a bitter feud with their neighbors, the Smiths. The conflict escalates into violence, ultimately leading to the destruction of both families.
By Eugene Field · First published 1894 · Genre: Ballad, Children's Literature, Humor · 1,274 words
First lines
Up yonder in Buena Park There is a famous spot, In legend and in history Yclept the Waller Lot.
There children play in daytime And lovers stroll by dark, For 't is the goodliest trysting-place In all Buena Park.
What this Textopian page supports
The Delectable Ballad of the Waller Lot is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Ballad, Children's Literature, Humor, Adventure, Romance
- Length: 1,274 words
- Structure: 1 section, 36 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Delectable Ballad of the Waller Lot 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 Delectable Ballad of the Waller Lot?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Ballad first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Ballad — The poem is structured in a narrative form typical of ballads, telling a story of adventure and romance.
- Children's Literature — The themes and characters, such as the beauteous maid and her doll, are appealing to a younger audience.
- Humor — The poem employs a light-hearted tone and humorous situations, particularly in the portrayal of the cowboys and the resolution.
- Adventure — The plot involves a rescue mission and a battle, which are central elements of adventure stories.
Tags
Humorous · Satirical · Poetic · Nostalgic · Rural · American · Folkloric · Storytelling · Whimsical · Quirky · Playful · Lyrical