The Rose and the Thrush by Eugene Field
The poem explores the contrast between a rose and a thrush, symbolizing beauty and ugliness. The rose is described as lovely and fragrant, while the thrush is depicted as dull and uninviting. The poem suggests that even amidst ugliness, there can be beauty found.
By Eugene Field · First published 1899 · Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Fable · 2,866 words
First lines
There was none other in the quiet valley so happy as the rose-tree, -- none other so happy unless perchance it was the thrush who made his home in the linden yonder. The thrush loved the rose-tree's daughter, and he was happy in thinking that some day she would be his bride. Now the rose-tree had many daughters, and each was beautiful; but the rose whom the thrush loved was more beautiful than her sisters, and all the wooers came wooing her until at last the fair creature's head was turned, and the rose grew capricious and disdainful. Among her many lovers were the south wind and the fairy Dewlove and the little elf-prince Beambright and the hoptoad, whom all the rest called Mr. Roughbrown. The hoptoad lived in the stone-wall several yards away; but every morning and evening he made a journey to the rose-tree, and there he would sit for hours gazing with tender longings at the beautiful rose, and murmuring impassioned avowals. The rose's disdain did not chill the hoptoad's ardor. "See what I have brought you, fair rose," he would say. "A beautiful brown beetle with golden wings and green eyes! Surely there is not in all the world a more delicious morsel than a brown beetle! Or, if you but say the word, I will fetch you a tender little fly, or a young gnat, -- see, I am willing to undergo all toils and dangers for your own sweet sake."
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Genres
- Fantasy — The story features anthropomorphized characters such as a rose, a thrush, and various fairies, creating a magical and imaginative setting.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic pursuits of the thrush and other suitors for the rose, highlighting themes of love and desire.
- Fable — The narrative conveys moral lessons about vanity, the consequences of choices, and the nature of true love, typical of fables.
- Children's Literature — The simple language, whimsical characters, and moral lessons make it suitable for a younger audience.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Romance · Whimsy · Fantasy · Imagination · Folklore · Mythology · Symbolism · Allegory · Floral · Birds
What this Textopian page supports
The Rose and the Thrush is listed on Textopian as a short story by Eugene Field, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fable, Children's Literature, Poetry
- Length: 2,866 words
- Structure: 1 section, 43 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Rose and the Thrush by Eugene Field
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