The Tin Bank by Eugene Field (1896)
The story revolves around a tin bank that holds coins and treasures, symbolizing the joys of childhood. The narrator reminisces about their youth, recalling the excitement of saving money in the tin bank and eventually breaking it open to discover the accumulated wealth. The narrative explores themes of nostalgia, innocence, and the passing of time.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy · 776 words
First lines
Speaking of banks, I'm bound to say That a bank of tin is far the best, And I know of one that has stood for years In a pleasant home away out west.
It has stood for years on the mantelpiece Between the clock and the Wedgwood plate -- A wonderful bank, as you'll concede When you've heard the things I'll now relate.
What this Textopian page supports
The Tin Bank is listed on Textopian as a short story by Eugene Field, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy, Humor, Adventure
- Length: 776 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Tin Bank 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 Tin Bank?
- How does this short story by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Teeny Weeny by Eugene Field
- The Dinkey Bird by Eugene Field
- Yvytot by Eugene Field
- The Little Peach by Eugene Field
- Fiddle Dee Dee by Eugene Field
- The Humming Top by Eugene Field
Genres
- Children's Literature — The poem features children interacting with a whimsical bank, emphasizing themes of innocence and playfulness.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter characteristic of poetry.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes fantastical elements, such as a magical bank that cannot be opened by burglars.
- Humor — The poem contains humorous situations, particularly with the burglars' failed attempts to open the bank.
Tags
Children's literature · Poetry · Humor · Whimsy · Fantasy · Imagination · Playful · Lighthearted · Nostalgic · Vintage · American literature · Early 20th century