Kingry's Mill (in Dialect)
The story revolves around a young boy who lives with his family at Kingry's Mill, a rural gristmill on the Ohio River. The narrative explores themes of childhood innocence and the struggles of rural life during the late 19th century. The protagonist's father works as a miller, responsible for grinding grain into flour. However, due to financial difficulties, the family is forced to rely on charity from their neighbors to survive. As the story unfolds, the boy witnesses the hardships faced by his family and the community, including poverty, illness, and death. Despite these challenges, the narrative conveys a sense of resilience and hope for a better future. The tale also touches on the importance of education and the value of knowledge in overcoming adversity. The protagonist's desire to learn and improve his circumstances serves as a testament to the power of determination and hard work. Ultimately, the story presents a poignant portrayal of rural life during this period, highlighting both the struggles and the triumphs of those living in these communities.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Regionalism · 764 words
First lines
On old Brandywine -- about Where White's Lots is now laid out, And the old crick narries down To the ditch that splits the town -- , Kingry's Mill stood. Hardly see Where the old dam ust to be; Shallor, long, dry trought o' grass Where the old race ust to pass!
That's be'n forty years ago -- Forty years o' frost and snow -- Forty years o' shade and shine Sence them boyhood-days o' mine -- !
What this Textopian page supports
Kingry's Mill (in Dialect) is listed on Textopian as a novella 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: Novella
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nostalgia, Regionalism, Pastoral, Historical
- Length: 764 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Kingry's Mill (in Dialect) by James Whitcomb Riley
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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, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nostalgia — The themes focus on reminiscing about the past and childhood memories, central to nostalgic literature.
- Regionalism — The use of dialect and specific local settings reflects the characteristics of regional literature.
- Pastoral — The depiction of rural life and nature aligns with the pastoral genre.
Tags
American Literature · Dialect Poetry · Folklore · Indiana · Local Color · Poetry Collection · Regionalism · Rural Life · Satire · Social Commentary · Storytelling · Tone Poem