His Room by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem describes a room that has been left untouched for years, with dust and cobwebs covering everything. The speaker reflects on the memories associated with the room, including a past love who once occupied it. The room serves as a symbol of lost time and forgotten emotions.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Sentimental · 661 words
First lines
"I'm home again, my dear old Room, I'm home again, and happy, too, As, peering through the brightening gloom, I find myself alone with you: Though brief my stay, nor far away, I missed you -- missed you night and day -- As wildly yearned for you as now. -- Old Room, how are you, anyhow?
"My easy chair, with open arms, Awaits me just within the door; The littered carpet's woven charms Have never seemed so bright before, -- The old rosettes and mignonettes And ivy-leaves and violets, Look up as pure and fresh of hue As though baptized in morning dew.
What this Textopian page supports
His Room 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, Nostalgia, Sentimental, Reflective, Domestic
- Length: 661 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for His Room by James Whitcomb Riley
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering His Room?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around longing for the past and a deep emotional connection to a familiar place.
- Sentimental — The writing style evokes strong emotions and affection towards the room, emphasizing personal feelings and memories.
- Reflective — The narrative reflects on personal growth and the passage of time, contemplating past experiences and their impact.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Childhood Memories · Nostalgia · Autobiographical · Coming of Age · Literary Fiction · Short Story · Regionalism · Indiana · Midwestern