The Robin and the Violet
The poem tells the story of a robin who builds a nest for its mate and their future offspring near a violet flower. The robin's efforts are described in detail, from gathering twigs to lining the nest with soft materials. The poem also describes the beauty of the natural setting, emphasizing the connection between the robin's domestic life and the surrounding environment.
By Eugene Field · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fable · 1,629 words
First lines
Once upon a time a robin lived in the greenwood. Of all the birds his breast was the brightest, his music was the sweetest, and his life was the merriest. Every morning and evening he perched himself among the berries of the linden-tree, and carolled a song that made the whole forest joyous; and all day long he fluttered among the flowers and shrubbery of the wild-wood, and twittered gayly to the brooks, the ferns, and the lichens.
What this Textopian page supports
The Robin and the Violet is listed on Textopian as a short story by Eugene Field, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fable, Romance, Nature Writing
- Length: 1,629 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Robin and the Violet 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 Robin and the Violet?
- How does this short story 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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- The Mouse And The Moonbeam by Eugene Field
- My Playmates by Eugene Field
- Dutch Lullaby by Eugene Field
- To Robin Goodfellow by Eugene Field
- A Few Of The Bird Family by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The book employs lyrical language and rhythm, characteristic of poetic works.
- Children's Literature — The narrative is simple and moralistic, appealing to a young audience with themes of love and loss.
- Fable — The story features anthropomorphized characters and conveys a moral lesson about unrequited love.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around the violet's unexpressed love for the robin.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Nature · Imagination · Fantasy · Whimsy · Romanticism · Victorian Era · American Literature · 19th Century · Fable · Allegory