The Discreet Collector
The story revolves around a mysterious figure who collects rare and unusual objects, including a mermaid's skeleton and a unicorn's horn. The collector's obsession with these items leads to a series of strange and supernatural events that blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
By Eugene Field · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Literary Fiction · 390 words
First lines
Down south there is a curio-shop Unknown to many men; Thereat do I intend to stop When I am south again; The narrow street through which to go -- Aha! I know it well! And may be you would like to know -- But no -- I will not tell!
'T is there to find the loveliest plates (The bluest of the blue! ) At such surprisingly low rates You'd not believe it true! And there is one Napoleon vase Of dainty Sevres to sell -- I'm sure you'd like to know that place -- But no -- I will not tell!
What this Textopian page supports
The Discreet Collector 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, Literary Fiction, Satire, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 390 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Discreet Collector 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 Discreet Collector?
- 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.
- Humor — The playful tone and teasing nature of the narrator suggest a humorous approach to the subject matter.
- Literary Fiction — The exploration of themes related to collecting and the value of objects reflects literary fiction's focus on character and thematic depth.
- Satire — The narrator's reluctance to share information about the shops can be seen as a satirical commentary on exclusivity and the nature of collectors.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Short stories · American literature · 19th century · Social commentary · Irony · Wit · Urban life · Middle class · Materialism · Consumer culture