The Tea-Gown by Eugene Field (1893)
The story revolves around a young girl who lives with her grandmother in a small cottage near a forest. The grandmother tells the girl stories about fairies and other magical creatures that live in the forest, which sparks the girl's imagination. One day, the girl decides to explore the forest and gets lost. She encounters various obstacles and creatures, including a wicked witch, but ultimately finds her way back home with the help of some friendly animals.
By Eugene Field · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Humor · 319 words
First lines
MY lady has a tea-gown That is wondrous fair to see, -- It is flounced and ruffed and plaited and puffed, As a tea-gown ought to be; And I thought she must be jesting Last night at supper when She remarked, by chance, that it came from France, And had cost but two pounds ten.
Had she told me fifty shillings, I might (and wouldn't you? ) Have referred to that dress in a way folks express By an eloquent dash or two; But the guileful little creature Knew well her tactics when She casually said that that dream in red Had cost but two pounds ten.
What this Textopian page supports
The Tea-Gown is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Humor, Domestic Fiction, Satire
- Length: 319 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Tea-Gown 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.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, admiration, and domestic bliss reflect romantic ideals.
- Humor — The playful tone and lighthearted observations about the tea-gown and marriage convey a sense of humor.
- Domestic Fiction — The focus on home life and relationships within a marriage aligns with domestic fiction themes.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Social commentary · Marriage · Relationships · Gender roles · Feminism · Women's rights · Domesticity · Middle class · American culture · Late 19th century