Louella Wainie by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem is a nostalgic tribute to childhood memories of a girl named Louella Wainie. It describes her carefree days spent playing outdoors and exploring the natural world. The speaker reflects on the passing of time, how it has changed Louella's life, and how she now faces responsibilities as an adult.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Pastoral · 401 words
First lines
Louella Wainie! where are you? / Do you not hear me as I cry? / Dusk is falling; I feel the dew; / And the dark will be here by and by: / I hear no thing but the owl's hoo-hoo! / Louella Wainie! where are you?
Hand in hand to the pasture bars / We came loitering, Lou and I, / Long ere the fireflies coaxed the stars / Out of their hiding-place on high. / O how sadly the cattle moo! / Louella Wainie! where are you?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Romantic — The themes of longing and separation suggest a romantic element, focusing on the emotional connection between the speaker and Louella.
- Pastoral — The setting in nature, with references to pastures, cattle, and natural elements, aligns with pastoral themes.
- Melancholic — The tone is one of sadness and yearning, as the speaker laments the absence of Louella.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Children's Verse · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Folklore · Regionalism · Indiana · Midwestern · Rural Life
What this Textopian page supports
Louella Wainie is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Pastoral, Melancholic, Mystery
- Length: 401 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Louella Wainie by James Whitcomb Riley
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