Curly Locks by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem tells the story of a young girl with curly locks who is teased and bullied by her peers for her appearance. She is eventually comforted by a wise old woman who teaches her to love herself and her unique features. The poem explores themes of self-acceptance, beauty standards, and the importance of inner strength.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1882 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Children's Literature · 312 words
First lines
_Curly Locks! Curly Locks! wilt thou be mine?
Thou shalt not wash the dishes, nor yet feed the swine, -- But sit on a cushion and sew a fine seam, And feast upon strawberries, sugar and cream._
What this Textopian page supports
Curly Locks is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1882 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: 1882 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Children's Literature, Fantasy
- Length: 312 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Curly Locks 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.
- Romance — The poem expresses romantic affection and desire, focusing on themes of love and devotion.
- Children's Literature — The simple language and whimsical imagery suggest it is suitable for a younger audience.
- Fantasy — The poem includes fantastical elements such as idealized scenarios and dream-like imagery.
Tags
Children's Literature · Poetry · Nursery Rhyme · Folklore · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Rhyming Verse · Storytelling · Imagination · Fantasy · Childhood Memories · Playful Language