The Doll's Wooing by Eugene Field
The poem tells the story of a doll who comes to life and woos a boy, making him cry. The doll's wooing is so effective that it causes the boy to become hysterical. The poem explores themes of childhood innocence and the power of imagination.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy · 372 words
First lines
The little French doll was a dear little doll Tricked out in the sweetest of dresses; Her eyes were of hue A most delicate blue And dark as the night were her tresses; Her dear little mouth was fluted and red, And this little French doll was so very well bred That whenever accosted her little mouth said "Mamma! mamma!"
The stockinet doll, with one arm and one leg, Had once been a handsome young fellow; But now he appeared Rather frowzy and bleared In his torn regimentals of yellow; Yet his heart gave a curious thump as he lay In the little toy cart near the window one day And heard the sweet voice of that French dolly say: "Mamma! mamma!"
What this Textopian page supports
The Doll's Wooing 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: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy, Romance, Humor
- Length: 372 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Doll's Wooing by Eugene Field
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Princess Ballade by Joyce Kilmer
- In Fairyland by Joyce Kilmer
- Dutch Lullaby by Eugene Field
- Old English Lullaby by Eugene Field
- Lady Button Eyes by Eugene Field
- The Forgetful Forgetmenot by Oliver Herford
Genres
- Children's Literature — The poem features dolls and a childlike perspective, appealing to young readers.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Fantasy — The anthropomorphism of dolls and their romantic interactions create a fantastical narrative.
- Romance — The plot centers around the romantic wooing of the female doll by the male doll.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Fantasy · Whimsy · Nostalgia · Childhood · Imagination · Dreams · Fairy Tale · Enchantment · Love Story · Tender