Extremes by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the idea of extremes in human experience, contrasting joy and sorrow, love and hate, life and death. It presents a philosophical perspective on the duality of existence, suggesting that these opposing forces are intertwined and inseparable. The speaker reflects on the inevitability of experiencing both the highest highs and the lowest lows, and how this dichotomy is an inherent part of the human condition.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Children's Poetry, Humor, Fable · 95 words
First lines
I. A little boy once played so loud That the Thunder, up in a thunder-cloud, Said, "Since I can't be heard, why, then I'll never, never thunder again!"
II. And a little girl once kept so still That she heard a fly on the window-sill Whisper and say to a lady-bird, -- "She's the stilliest child I ever heard! "
What this Textopian page supports
Extremes is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1888 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: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Poetry, Humor, Fable
- Length: 95 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Extremes 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 Extremes?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- We Defer Things by James Whitcomb Riley
- Kennst Du Das Land by Madison Cawein
- Blind by James Whitcomb Riley
- Within The Gate by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Rider Of The Knee by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Generations Of Men by Robert Frost
Genres
- Children's Poetry — The work features simple, playful language and themes suitable for children, focusing on imaginative scenarios involving children.
- Humor — The poem uses humorous exaggeration and whimsical situations to entertain, such as thunder refusing to thunder and a fly whispering.
- Fable — The narrative conveys a moral lesson through fantastical elements, akin to traditional fables.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Emotion · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory