A Dos't o' Blues. (Ragweed and Fennel)
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia for a simpler time, contrasting the beauty and innocence of childhood with the harsh realities of adulthood. The speaker reminisces about playing in fields of ragweed and fennel, symbolizing carefree youth. However, this idyllic past is juxtaposed with the difficulties and hardships faced by adults, highlighting the loss of innocence that comes with growing up.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Regionalism · 467 words
First lines
I' got no patience with blues at all! And I ust to kindo talk Aginst 'em, and claim, 'tel along last Fall, They was none in the fambly stock; But a nephew of mine, from Eelinoy, That visited us last year, He kindo convinct me differunt While he was a-stayin' here.
Frum ever'-which way that blues is from, They'd tackle him ever' ways; They'd come to him in the night, and come On Sundays, and rainy days; They'd tackle him in corn-plantin' time, And in harvest, and airly Fall, But a dose 't of blues in the wintertime, He 'lowed, was the worst of all!
What this Textopian page supports
A Dos't o' Blues. (Ragweed and Fennel) 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, Humor, Regionalism, Satire, Fiction
- Length: 467 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming pattern typical of poetry.
- Humor — The narrative employs a humorous tone, particularly in its depiction of the character's exaggerated complaints and the family's reaction.
- Regionalism — The language and setting reflect a specific regional dialect and cultural context, emphasizing local color.
- Satire — The work subtly critiques the tendency to exaggerate personal woes, using irony and wit.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Rural Setting · Folk Culture · Regionalism · Indiana · Midwest · Agriculture · Seasonal Themes