The Fifth of July by Eugene Field
The poem tells the story of a child who wakes up on July 5th, unaware that the previous day was Independence Day, and is confused by the remnants of the celebrations, including leftover fireworks and bunting. The child's innocence and naivety are contrasted with the excitement and patriotism of the previous day's events.
By Eugene Field · First published 1897 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Humor · 188 words
First lines
The sun climbs up, but still the tyrant Sleep / Holds fast our baby boy in his embrace; / The slumb'rer sighs, anon athwart his face / Faint, half-suggested frowns like shadows creep, / One little hand lies listless on his breast, / One little thumb sticks up with mute appeal, / While motley burns and powder marks reveal / The fruits of boyhood's patriotic zest.
What this Textopian page supports
The Fifth of July is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1897 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: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Celebratory Literature
- Length: 188 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Fifth of July 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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Similar titles
- The Hawthorne Children by Eugene Field
- Grandmas Prayer by Eugene Field
- Our Baby by Eugene Field
- Little Homers Slate by Eugene Field
- Holly And Ivy by Eugene Field
- When I Was A Boy by Eugene Field
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore childhood, patriotism, and the nuances of Independence Day, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Humor — The playful tone and light-hearted observations about a child's experience and a pet's perspective add a humorous element.
- Children's Literature — The focus on a child's experience and the whimsical portrayal of a pet make it suitable for a younger audience.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Nostalgia · Childhood Memories · Summer · Fireworks · Independence Day · Family · Tradition · Celebration · Joy · Freedom