A Prospective Visit by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem describes a nostalgic and melancholic scene of a person visiting their childhood home after many years away. The speaker reflects on the changes that have taken place in the house and its surroundings, but also on the enduring memories and emotions associated with the place. The tone is contemplative and wistful, evoking a sense of longing for a lost time and innocence.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Humor · 391 words
First lines
While _any_ day was notable and dear / That gave the children Noey, history here / Records his advent emphasized indeed / With sharp italics, as he came to feed / The stock one special morning, fair and bright, / When Johnty and Bud met him, with delight / Unusual even as their extra dress -- / Garbed as for holiday, with much excess / Of proud self-consciousness and vain conceit / In their new finery. -- Far up the street / They called to Noey, as he came, that they, / As promised, both were going back that day / To _his_ house with him!
What this Textopian page supports
A Prospective Visit is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Humor, Domestic Fiction
- Length: 391 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Prospective Visit by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative centers around children and their experiences, capturing their innocence and playful interactions.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter to convey its story and themes.
- Humor — The text includes humorous elements, particularly in the playful teasing and the rhyme that amuses the characters.
- Domestic Fiction — The setting and events revolve around everyday life and family dynamics, focusing on relatable, home-centered experiences.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Imagination · Fantasy · Travel · Prospective · Visionary · Romanticism · Symbolism · Realism