A Diverted Tragedy by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the theme of a tragic event that has been diverted from its intended course, resulting in a less severe outcome. The speaker reflects on how fate can be altered by human actions, leading to a more favorable conclusion. The tone is contemplative and philosophical, inviting the reader to consider the complexities of destiny and free will.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1885 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Family · 265 words
First lines
Gracie wuz allus a _careless_ tot; / But Gracie dearly loved her doll, / An' played wiv it on the winder-sill / 'Way up-stairs, when she ought to _not_, / An' her muvver _telled_ her so an' all; / But she won't _mind_ what _she_ say -- till, / First thing she know, her dolly fall / Clean spang out o' the winder plumb / Into the street! An' here Grace come / Down-stairs, two at a time, ist wild / An' a-screamin', "Oh, my child! my child!"
Jule wuz a-bringin' their basket o' clo'es / Ist then into their hall down there, -- / An' she ist stop' when Gracie bawl, / An' Jule she say "She ist declare / She's ist in time! " An' what you s'pose?
What this Textopian page supports
A Diverted Tragedy is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1885 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Family, Humor
- Length: 265 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Diverted Tragedy by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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- The Stepmother by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Poem Speaks by Franklin P. Adams
- The Missing Chord by O. Henry
- The Scorpion by Hilaire Belloc
- A Fable by Oliver Herford
Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative centers around a child's experience and emotions, featuring a young protagonist and her doll.
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with rhyme and rhythm, characteristic of poetic works.
- Family — The story involves familial relationships, focusing on a child's interaction with her mother and a household helper.
- Humor — The resolution of the story is light-hearted and involves a humorous twist with the doll's unexpected safety.
Tags
Tragicomedy · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Fictional Tragedy · Diverted Fate · Literary Device · Plot Twist · Satire · Social Commentary · Human Nature · Moral Lesson