A Test of Love
The poem explores the theme of love and its various forms through a series of vignettes that examine the complexities of human relationships. It delves into the idea that true love can be tested by adversity and that it requires sacrifice, loyalty, and commitment to endure. The speaker reflects on the different types of love, including romantic love, familial love, and platonic love, highlighting their unique characteristics and challenges. Ultimately, the poem presents a nuanced view of love as a multifaceted and often difficult emotion that can bring both joy and pain.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1886 · Genre: Romance, Poetry, Drama · 285 words
First lines
"Now who shall say he loves me not."
He wooed her first in an atmosphere Of tender and low-breathed sighs; But the pang of her laugh went cutting clear To the soul of the enterprise; "You beg so pert for the kiss you seek It reminds me, John," she said, "Of a poodle pet that jumps to 'speak' For a crumb or a crust of bread."
And flashing up, with the blush that flushed His face like a tableau-light, Came a bitter threat that his white lips hushed To a chill, hoarse-voiced "Good night!"
And again her laugh, like a knell that tolled, And a wide-eyed mock surprise, -- "Why, John," she said, "you have taken cold In the chill air of your sighs!"
What this Textopian page supports
A Test of Love is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Poetry, Drama, Humor
- Length: 285 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Test of Love 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 Test of Love?
- How does this short story by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
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- The Lament Of A Vanquished Beau by Langston Hughes
Genres
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and romantic interaction between the characters.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter.
- Drama — The narrative includes emotional conflict and dramatic dialogue between the characters.
- Humor — The use of irony and playful banter adds a humorous element to the interaction.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Heartbreak · Loss · Grief · Longing · Yearning · Sorrow · Pain · Emotion · Sentimental