A Ballad. with a Serious Conclusion
The poem is a narrative ballad that tells the story of a young woman who is forced to marry an old man due to her family's financial struggles. The poem explores themes of love, duty, and the constraints placed on women during this time period. The speaker describes the woman's inner turmoil as she prepares for her wedding, feeling trapped and unhappy about her situation. Despite her reservations, she goes through with the ceremony, but ultimately finds a way to escape her marriage by running away with a younger man. The poem concludes with a serious tone, emphasizing the gravity of the woman's decision and its consequences. The speaker suggests that the woman has made a choice that will have far-reaching effects on her life, and that she must live with the repercussions of her actions.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Ballad, Children's Literature · 816 words
First lines
Crowd about me, little children -- Come and cluster 'round my knee While I tell a little story That happened once with me.
My father he had gone away A-sailing on the foam, Leaving me -- the merest infant -- And my mother dear at home;
What this Textopian page supports
A Ballad. with a Serious Conclusion is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Ballad, Children's Literature, Family, Adventure
- Length: 816 words
- Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Ballad. with a Serious Conclusion by James Whitcomb Riley
- 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 A Ballad. with a Serious Conclusion?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Little Girl Two Little Girls by James Whitcomb Riley
- An Impetuous Resolve by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Same Old Story by James Whitcomb Riley
- Back From Town by James Whitcomb Riley
- Art And Poetry To Homer C Davenport by James Whitcomb Riley
- Thoughts Fer The Discuraged Farmer by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Ballad — The narrative style and storytelling elements align with the traditional ballad form.
- Children's Literature — The narrative is directed towards children, with a simple story and moral lesson.
- Family — Themes of family, parental absence, and reunion are central to the narrative.
Tags
Poetry · Ballad · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Folk Poetry · Traditional Verse · Rural Life · Nature Imagery · Social Commentary · Satire · Humor · Storytelling