Evagene Baker -- who was Dyin' of Dred Consumtio
The poem is a lamentation of the passing of Eugene Baker, who was dying from tuberculosis. The speaker reflects on their friend's condition and the inevitability of death. The poem explores themes of mortality, loss, and the transience of life. It also touches on the idea that even in death, one can find beauty and meaning in the memories and experiences shared with loved ones.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Sentimental, Regionalism · 514 words
First lines
Pore afflicted Evagene! Whilse the woods is fresh and green, And the birds on ev'ry hand Sings in rapture sweet and grand, -- Thou, of all the joyus train, Art bedridden, and in pain Sich as only them can cherish Who, like flowrs, is first to perish!
When the neghbors brought the word She was down, the folks inferred It was jest a cold she'd caught, Dressin' thinner than she'd ort Fer the frolicks and the fun Of the dancin' that she'd done 'Fore the Spring was flush er ary Blossom on the peach er cherry.
What this Textopian page supports
Evagene Baker -- who was Dyin' of Dred Consumtion as these Lines was Penned by a True Friend is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Sentimental, Regionalism, Religious, Tragedy
- Length: 514 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Evagene Baker -- who was Dyin' of Dred Consumtion as these Lines was Penned by a True Friend by James Whitcomb Riley
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Sentimental — The themes of illness, community support, and emotional reflection evoke a sentimental tone.
- Regionalism — The use of dialect and local color reflects the regional characteristics of the setting.
- Religious — The narrative includes references to church, prayer, and spiritual salvation.
Tags
Humorous · Satirical · Poem · Literary · 19th Century · American Literature · Fictional Character · Social Commentary · Consumerism · Excess · Mortality · Friendship