Indiana (Sonnets)
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a lost love. It describes Indiana's beauty and charm, but also her elusive nature, making it difficult to capture her essence in words. The speaker expresses his desire to hold onto memories of their time together, but acknowledges that they are fleeting and cannot be preserved.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Patriotic, Pastoral · 159 words
First lines
Our Land -- our Home -- the common home indeed Of soil-born children and adopted ones -- The stately daughters and the stalwart sons Of Industry -- : All greeting and godspeed!
O home to proudly live for, and if need Be proudly die for, with the roar of guns Blent with our latest prayer. So died men once.
Lo Peace.! As we look on the land They freed -- Its harvests all in ocean-over flow Poured round autumnal coasts in billowy gold -- Its corn and wine and balmed fruits and flow'rs -- , We know the exaltation that they know Who now, steadfast inheritors, behold The Land Elysian, marvelling "This is ours? "
What this Textopian page supports
Indiana (Sonnets) 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, Patriotic, Pastoral, Historical
- Length: 159 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Indiana (Sonnets) by James Whitcomb Riley
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in sonnet form, a traditional poetic style, and employs rhyme and meter.
- Patriotic — Themes of national pride, sacrifice, and reverence for the homeland are central to the text.
- Pastoral — The imagery of harvests, corn, wine, and nature reflects a pastoral appreciation of the land.
- Historical — References to past sacrifices and historical events are woven into the narrative.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Sonnets · Nature Poetry · Regionalism · Midwestern · Rural Life · Indiana · Autobiographical · Personal Narrative · Free Verse