Old Indiany. Fragment Intended for a Dinner of t
The poem is a nostalgic tribute to the state's pioneer past and its people. It portrays Indiana as a place of simplicity, honesty, and hard work. The speaker reflects on the state's history, from its early days as a wilderness to its growth into a thriving community. The poem also touches on themes of tradition, family, and community, highlighting the importance of these values in shaping the state's identity.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Regionalism · 694 words
First lines
Old Indiany, 'course we know Is first, and best, and _most_, also, Of _all_ the States' whole forty-four: -- She's first in ever'thing, that's shore! -- And _best_ in ever'way as yet Made known to man; and you kin bet She's _most_, because she won't confess She ever was, or will be, _less_! And yet, fer all her proud array Of sons, how many gits away! -- No doubt about her bein' _great_ But, fellers, she's a leaky State! And them that boasts the most about Her, them's the ones that's dribbled out. Law! jes' to think of all you boys 'Way over here in Illinoise A-celebratin', like ye air, Old Indiany, 'way back there In the dark ages, so to speak, A-prayin' for ye once a week And wonderin' what's a-keepin' you From comin', like you ort to do.
What this Textopian page supports
Old Indiany. Fragment Intended for a Dinner of the Indiana Society of Chicago 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, Regionalism, Satire, Social Commentary
- Length: 694 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Old Indiany. Fragment Intended for a Dinner of the Indiana Society of Chicago 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Old Indiany. Fragment Intended for a Dinner of the Indiana Society of Chicago?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Old Indiany Intended For A Dinner Of The Indiana Society Of Chicago by James Whitcomb Riley
- Folks At Lonesomeville by James Whitcomb Riley
- Told By The Noted Traveler by James Whitcomb Riley
- My Ruthers by James Whitcomb Riley
- Regardin Terry Hut In Dialect by James Whitcomb Riley
- Almon Keefer by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming structure, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The tone and language are light-hearted and playful, with humorous observations about Indiana and its people.
- Regionalism — The text focuses on the specific cultural and social aspects of Indiana, highlighting its uniqueness and character.
- Satire — There is a satirical element in the way the author critiques and pokes fun at the pride and shortcomings of Indiana and its residents.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Regionalism · Indiana History · Folk Culture · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Local Color · Nostalgia · Rural Life · Small Town America