To De Witt Miller by Eugene Field
The story revolves around a young boy who lives with his uncle and aunt on a farm in the Midwest. The boy's parents died when he was an infant, and he has been living with his relatives since then. He struggles to find his place in the world and to understand his relationships with others.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Humor, Epistolary · 320 words
First lines
Dear Miller: You and I despise The cad who gathers books to sell 'em, Be they but sixteen-mos in cloth Or stately folios garbed in vellum.
But when one fellow has a prize Another bibliophile is needing, Why, then, a satisfactory trade Is quite a laudable proceeding.
What this Textopian page supports
To De Witt Miller is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Humor, Epistolary, Social Commentary, Nostalgia
- Length: 320 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To De Witt Miller by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering To De Witt Miller?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Literary Humor — The poem uses wit and satire to critique bibliophiles and the practice of book trading.
- Epistolary — The format resembles a letter addressed to Miller, typical of epistolary literature.
- Social Commentary — The poem reflects on societal norms regarding book collecting and trading among intellectuals.
Tags
American poetry · Humor · Satire · Wit · Irony · Social commentary · 19th century literature · Poetic devices · Wordplay · Rhyme · Meter · Verse