A Man of Many Parts
The poem explores the complexities and contradictions of human nature through a series of vignettes that reveal the multifaceted character of its subject. The speaker portrays this individual as both strong and weak, confident and uncertain, capable of great kindness and great cruelty. Through a rich tapestry of imagery and symbolism, the poem delves into the inner workings of the human psyche, exposing the tensions between reason and emotion, logic and instinct.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1880 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Character Study · 210 words
First lines
It was a man of many parts, Who in his coffer mind Had stored the Classics and the Arts And Sciences combined; The purest gems of poesy Came flashing from his pen -- The wholesome truths of History He gave his fellow men.
He knew the stars from "Dog" to Mars; And he could tell you, too, Their distances -- as though the cars Had often checked him through -- And time 'twould take to reach the sun, Or by the "Milky Way,"
Drop in upon the moon, or run The homeward trip, or stay.
With Logic at his fingers' ends, Theology in mind, He often entertained his friends Until they died resigned; And with inquiring mind intent Upon Alchemic arts A dynamite experiment -- A man of many parts!
What this Textopian page supports
A Man of Many Parts is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1880 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: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Character Study, Philosophical, Historical
- Length: 210 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Man of Many Parts by James Whitcomb Riley
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Satire — The poem humorously critiques the character's vast but impractical knowledge, a hallmark of satire.
- Character Study — The focus is on the detailed portrayal of a multifaceted individual, exploring his intellectual pursuits.
- Philosophical — The themes touch on the nature of knowledge and intellectualism, inviting philosophical reflection.
Tags
Biographical · Autobiographical · Memoir · Poetic · Literary · American · 19th Century · Indiana · Regionalism · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Identity