The Stoddards by Eugene Field (1895)
The poem tells the story of a family's decline and fall from grace due to their own moral weaknesses and flaws. The family's patriarch is portrayed as a self-righteous and arrogant figure who believes himself to be above the law, while his children are depicted as morally corrupt and lacking in character. Through the family's downfall, the poem explores themes of morality, class, and the dangers of unchecked power and privilege.
By Eugene Field · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Humor · 1,025 words
First lines
When I am in New York, I like to drop around at night, To visit with my honest, genial friends, the Stoddards hight; Their home in Fifteenth street is all so snug, and furnished so, That, when I once get planted there, I don't know when to go; A cosy cheerful refuge for the weary homesick guest, Combining Yankee comforts with the freedom of the west.
What this Textopian page supports
The Stoddards is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Humor, Domestic Fiction, Character Study
- Length: 1,025 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Stoddards by Eugene Field
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores themes of nostalgia, friendship, and appreciation of art and literature.
- Humor — The poem contains humorous observations and light-hearted commentary on the characters and their possessions.
- Domestic Fiction — The setting revolves around a domestic space, focusing on the interactions within a home.
Tags
Family Saga · Historical Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century · Social Commentary · Romance · Tragedy · Drama · Coming of Age · Small Town Life · Midwest · Rural Setting