America's Thanksgiving 1900
The poem describes a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner in the early 20th century. The scene is set in a rural household where family members gather around the table to share a meal of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and other traditional dishes. The speaker reflects on the abundance of food and the warmth of the gathering, highlighting the importance of family and community during the holiday season. The poem also touches on the idea that Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and appreciation for the blessings in one's life. Throughout the poem, the speaker uses vivid imagery to describe the sights, sounds, and smells of the dinner table, creating a sense of nostalgia and warmth. The tone is informal and conversational, evoking a sense of intimacy and closeness among the family members gathered around the table. The poem also explores themes of tradition and cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional practices and values in American society. Overall, the poem presents a nostalgic and idyllic portrayal of American life in the early 20th century.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Historical · 398 words
First lines
Father all bountiful, in mercy bear With this our universal voice of prayer -- The voice that needs must be Upraised in thanks to Thee, O Father, from Thy children everywhere.
A multitudinous voice, wherein we fain Wouldst have Thee hear no lightest sob of pain -- No murmur of distress, Nor moan of loneliness, Nor drip of tears, though soft as summer rain.
What this Textopian page supports
America's Thanksgiving 1900 is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Historical, Patriotic, Inspirational
- Length: 398 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for America's Thanksgiving 1900 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
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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.
- Religious — The text is a prayer of thanksgiving, addressing a divine entity and expressing gratitude.
- Historical — References to historical events and themes of national unity and progress are present.
- Patriotic — The work expresses pride in the nation and its values, highlighting themes of unity and national identity.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Literature · Thanksgiving · Holiday Story · Nostalgic · Poetic Prose · Early 20th Century · Domestic Life · Family Values · Traditional Celebrations · Cultural Heritage · Regionalism