The Dreams by Eugene Field (1898)
The poem explores the idea that dreams are a way to escape the harsh realities of life. It describes a child's vivid imagination and ability to create a fantastical world where they can be free from the troubles of everyday life. The poem also touches on the theme of nostalgia, as the speaker reflects on the passing of childhood and the loss of innocence.
By Eugene Field · First published 1898 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Fantasy · 542 words
First lines
Two dreams came down to earth one night From the realm of mist and dew; One was a dream of the old, old days, And one was a dream of the new.
One was a dream of a shady lane That led to the pickerel pond Where the willows and rushes bowed themselves To the brown old hills beyond.
What this Textopian page supports
The Dreams is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Fantasy, Children's Literature, Romanticism
- Length: 542 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Dreams 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
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Similar titles
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- The Wind The Tale by Eugene Field
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- Dreamer Say by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Wishing Bridge by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Rose And The Thrush by Eugene Field
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore deep emotional connections and reflections on past and future, typical of literary fiction.
- Fantasy — The concept of dreams coming to earth from a mystical realm suggests elements of fantasy.
- Children's Literature — The narrative features a child and themes of innocence and imagination, appealing to a younger audience.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Whimsical · Fantasy · Imagination · Dreams · Folklore · Mythology · Nature · Romanticism · Symbolism