John Alden and Percilly
The story revolves around John Alden, a young man who returns to his hometown after serving in the military. He becomes involved with Percilly, a woman from a wealthy family, and they begin a romantic relationship. However, their social differences create tension between them, and Percilly's family disapproves of their relationship due to John's lower social status. The narrative explores themes of love, class, and identity as John struggles to reconcile his feelings for Percilly with the societal expectations placed upon him.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Drama · 631 words
First lines
We got up a Christmas-doin's Last Christmas Eve -- Kindo' dimonstration 'At I railly believe Give more satisfaction -- Take it up and down -- Than ary intertainment Ever come to town!
Railly was a _theater_ -- That's what it was, -- But, bein' in the church, you know, We had a "_Santy Clause_" -- So 's to git the _old folks_ To patternize, you see, And _back_ the institootion up Kindo' _morally_.
What this Textopian page supports
John Alden and Percilly 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, Humor, Drama, Romance, Holiday
- Length: 631 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for John Alden and Percilly 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
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The narrative includes humorous elements and lighthearted situations, particularly in the depiction of the Christmas play and interactions between characters.
- Drama — The story revolves around a theatrical performance, with characters taking on roles and engaging in dramatic rehearsals.
- Romance — The plot includes romantic elements, such as the relationship between the narrator and Claircy, culminating in a gift exchange involving a ring.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Romance · Folklore · Nautical · Historical Fiction · 19th Century · Classic · Ballad · Verse Novel · Maritime · Love Story