That Little Dog
The poem is a nostalgic and sentimental tribute to childhood memories of a small dog that has passed away. The speaker reminisces about the dog's antics and its place in their life, highlighting the joy and companionship it brought. The tone is melancholic but ultimately celebratory, acknowledging the significance of the little dog's presence in the speaker's life.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Domestic Fiction · 987 words
First lines
"That little dog 'ud scratch at that door And go on a-whinin' two hours before He'd ever let up! _There! _ -- Jane: Let him in. -- (Hah, there, you little rat! ) Look at him grin!
Come down off o' that! -- W'y, look at him! (_Drat You! you-rascal-you! _) -- bring me that hat!
What this Textopian page supports
That Little Dog 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, Domestic Fiction, Animal Fiction, Dialect Literature
- Length: 987 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for That Little Dog by James Whitcomb Riley
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering That Little Dog?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyming lines and a rhythmic cadence.
- Humor — The narrative contains humorous elements, particularly in the depiction of the dog's antics and the speaker's reactions.
- Domestic Fiction — The setting and interactions revolve around a domestic environment, focusing on everyday life and relationships.
- Animal Fiction — The central character is a dog, and the story revolves around its behavior and interactions with humans.
Tags
Poem · Children's Literature · Nursery Rhyme · Dog Story · Humorous · Satirical · Social Commentary · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Fictionalized Nonfiction · Autobiographical Elements · Coming of Age