The Gilded Roll
This collection of poetry explores the American experience during the late 19th century, focusing on themes of social class, industrialization, and the struggles of everyday people. The poems often use vivid imagery to portray the contrast between wealth and poverty, highlighting the darker aspects of the Gilded Age.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Nostalgic Fiction, Poetry, Epistolary · 6,230 words
First lines
Nosing around in an old box -- packed away, and lost to memory for years -- an hour ago I found a musty package of gilt paper, or rather, a roll it was, with the green-tarnished gold of the old sheet for the outer wrapper. I picked it up mechanically to toss it into some obscure corner, when, carelessly lifting it by one end, a child's tin whistle dropped therefrom and fell tinkling on the attic floor. It lies before me on my writing table now -- and so, too, does the roll entire, though now a roll no longer, -- for my eager fingers have unrolled the gilded covering, and all its precious contents are spread out beneath my hungry eyes.
What this Textopian page supports
The Gilded Roll is listed on Textopian as a novel by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1888 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nostalgic Fiction, Poetry, Epistolary, Historical Fiction, Family Saga
- Length: 6,230 words
- Structure: 1 section, 81 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Gilded Roll by James Whitcomb Riley
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Gilded Roll?
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Genres
- Nostalgic Fiction — The narrative is centered around memories and reflections on the past, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
- Poetry — The text includes several poems and lyrical passages, emphasizing poetic expression.
- Epistolary — The story incorporates letters and written correspondence as a key element.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and events are reflective of a past era, providing historical context.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · Indiana · Regionalism · Folklore · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Industrialization · Urbanization