My Conscience
The poem explores the inner conflict between a person's moral principles and their desires. It describes the struggle to reconcile one's conscience with the temptation of sin. The speaker reflects on the pain of guilt and the weight of responsibility, highlighting the importance of living in accordance with one's values.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Philosophical · 310 words
First lines
Sometimes my Conscience says, says he, "Don't you know me? " And I, says I, skeered through and through, "Of course I do. You air a nice chap ever' way, I'm here to say! You make me cry -- you make me pray, And all them good things thataway -- That is, at _night_. Where do you stay Durin' the day? "
And then my Conscience says, onc't more, "You know me -- shore? " "Oh, yes," says I, a-trimblin' faint, "You're jes' a saint! Your ways is all so holy-right, I love you better ever' night You come around, -- tel' plum daylight, When you air out o' sight! "
What this Textopian page supports
My Conscience is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Philosophical, Satire
- Length: 310 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for My Conscience by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering My Conscience?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The playful tone and personification of conscience add a humorous element to the narrative.
- Philosophical — The exploration of conscience and moral introspection suggests philosophical themes.
- Satire — The exaggerated portrayal of conscience and its effects on the speaker can be interpreted as satirical.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Autobiographical · Memoir · Self-Discovery · Coming of Age · Nostalgia · Childhood Memories · Indiana · Midwestern · Regionalism