An Impromptu Fairy-Tale
The poem is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of childhood innocence. It describes an impromptu fairy-tale that has been conjured up by a group of children, but notes how it will soon be forgotten as they grow older and their imaginations fade. The poem explores the tension between the carefree world of childhood and the harsh realities of adulthood.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1885 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Children's Literature, Poetry · 343 words
First lines
_When I wuz ist a little bit_ _o' weenty-teenty kid_ _I maked up a Fairy-tale,_ _all by myse'f, I did: -- _
I. Wunst upon a time wunst They wuz a Fairy King, An' ever'thing he have wuz _gold -- _, His clo'es, an' _ever_'thing!
What this Textopian page supports
An Impromptu Fairy-Tale is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1885 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: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Children's Literature, Poetry, Fantasy, Humor
- Length: 343 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for An Impromptu Fairy-Tale 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 An Impromptu Fairy-Tale?
- How does this short story by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Katydids by James Whitcomb Riley
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- A Home Made Fairy Tale by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Child World by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Tree Toad by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Fairy Tale — The narrative centers around a fairy king and his magical realm, featuring elements typical of fairy tales such as royalty, magical creatures, and enchanted settings.
- Children's Literature — The simple language, playful tone, and imaginative storyline are characteristic of literature aimed at young readers.
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, with rhyme and rhythm that are hallmarks of poetic writing.
- Fantasy — The presence of fantastical elements like fairies, magical instruments, and a whimsical setting aligns with the fantasy genre.
Tags
Fairy Tale · Poetry · Children's Literature · Nostalgia · Whimsy · Fantasy · Imagination · Romance · Nature · Magic · Adventure · Humor