Marthy Ellen. (Sweet-Knot and Galamus)
The poem is a nostalgic tribute to childhood memories of a rural Indiana farm. It describes the joys and hardships of country life through the eyes of a young girl named Marthy Ellen. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the passing of time, as Marthy Ellen grows up and leaves her childhood home behind.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Regionalism · 598 words
First lines
They's nothin' in the name to strike / A feller more'n common like! / 'Taint liable to git no praise / Ner nothin' like it nowadays; / An' yit that name o' her'n is jest / As purty as the purtiest -- / And more 'n that, I'm here to say / I'll live a-thinkin' thataway / And die far Marthy Ellen!
It may be I was prejudust / In favor of it from the fust -- / 'Cause I kin ricollect jest how / We met, and hear her mother now / A-callin' of her down the road -- / And, aggervatin' little toad! -- / I see her now, jes' sort o' half- / Way disapp'inted, turn and laugh / And mock her -- "Marthy Ellen! "
Similar titles
- Armazindy by James Whitcomb Riley
- Igo And Ago by James Whitcomb Riley
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- The Changeling by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around a romantic relationship and the challenges faced by the couple.
- Regionalism — The language and setting reflect a specific regional dialect and culture, emphasizing local color.
- Drama — The narrative includes dramatic elements such as familial conflict and emotional tension.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Nursery Rhyme · Folklore · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Verse Novel · Rhyming Verse · Story Poem · Traditional Storytelling · Whimsical · Imaginative
What this Textopian page supports
Marthy Ellen. (Sweet-Knot and Galamus) 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, Romance, Regionalism, Drama, Sentimental
- Length: 598 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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