Dolores by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem is a nostalgic and sentimental tribute to childhood innocence and the passing of time. It describes a young girl's life on a farm, her joys and sorrows, and her eventual departure from home. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of change.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Symbolism · 170 words
First lines
Lithe-armed, and with satin-soft shoulders As white as the cream-crested wave; With a gaze dazing every beholder's, She holds every gazer a slave: Her hair, a fair haze, is outfloated And flared in the air like a flame; Bare-breasted, bare-browed and bare-throated- Too smooth for the soothliest name.
She wiles you with wine, and wrings for you Ripe juices of citron and grape; She lifts up her lute and sings for you Till the soul of you seeks no escape; And you revel and reel with mad laughter, And fall at her feet, at her beck, And the scar of her sandal thereafter You wear like a gyve round your neck.
What this Textopian page supports
Dolores is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 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: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Symbolism, Classical
- Length: 170 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and vivid imagery.
- Romantic — The themes revolve around beauty, allure, and emotional captivation, typical of romantic literature.
- Symbolism — The use of imagery and metaphor suggests deeper meanings and emotional states.
- Classical — The style and language reflect a traditional and classical approach to poetry.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Feminine Perspective · Coming of Age · Rural Setting · Family Dynamics · Love Story · Tragedy · Loss · Grief · Mourning