The Hawthorne Children
The poem tells the story of seven children who are cursed by a witch for their misbehavior. The curse causes them to be punished in various ways, each fitting their individual wrongdoing.
By Eugene Field · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Nostalgia · 630 words
First lines
THE Hawthorne children, seven in all, Are famous friends of mine; And with what pleasure I recall How, years ago, one gloomy fall I took a tedious railway line, And journeyed by slow stages down Unto that soporiferous town (Albeit one worth seeing) Where Hildegarde, John, Henry, Fred, And Beatrix and Gwendolen, And she that was the baby then, -- These famous seven, as aforesaid, Lived, moved, and had their being.
The Hawthorne children gave me such A welcome by the sea That the eight of us were soon in touch, And, though their mother marvelled much, Happy as larks were we.
What this Textopian page supports
The Hawthorne Children is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Nostalgia, Literary Fiction, Humor
- Length: 630 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Hawthorne Children by Eugene Field
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The themes revolve around childhood experiences, play, and the innocence of youth.
- Nostalgia — The poem reflects on past memories and the longing for simpler times.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style and thematic depth align with literary fiction, focusing on character and emotional experience.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · American Literature · 19th Century · Whimsical · Imagination · Fantasy · Youthful · Innocence · Playfulness · Nostalgia · Rural Life