The Drunkard's Child
A father, burdened by alcoholism, stands by the bedside of his dying child. His physical state reflects his struggles, with bloodshot eyes and a staggering gait. The child, lying on a meager pallet, recognizes him and expresses joy at his presence, despite the impending death. This moment stirs deep emotions within the father, who grapples with guilt and remorse for his past actions. As the child, weak and fading, asks for a final embrace and inquires about meeting in the afterlife, the father responds with a promise to reunite. The poignant exchange highlights the bond between them, even in the face of tragedy. The child’s lifeless body rests against the father, symbolizing the loss and the weight of regret that the father must carry. The imagery evokes a sense of sorrow and reflection on the consequences of addiction, familial love, and the hope for redemption beyond death.
By Frances Ellen Watkins Harper · First published 1854 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Literary Fiction · 375 words
First lines
He stood beside his dying child, With a dim and bloodshot eye; They'd won him from the haunts of vice To see his first-born die.
He came with a slow and staggering tread, A vague, unmeaning stare, And, reeling, clasped the clammy hand, So deathly pale and fair.
What this Textopian page supports
The Drunkard's Child is listed on Textopian as a short story by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, dated 1854 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Date: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Drama, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragedy
- Length: 375 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and dialogue suggest elements of dramatic storytelling.
- Literary Fiction — The themes of familial relationships, guilt, and redemption align with literary fiction's focus on character development and emotional depth.
- Social Commentary — The poem addresses social issues such as alcoholism and its impact on family, reflecting societal concerns.
Tags
Slavery · Abolitionism · Feminism · Racism · Social Justice · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · African American Experience · Family Dynamics · Childhood Trauma · Parental Neglect