The Guide. Imitated
This poem is a satirical commentary on the American Dream and the concept of success. It describes a character who has achieved wealth and status through hard work and determination, but ultimately finds that it brings him no happiness or fulfillment. The poem critiques the idea that material possessions and social standing are the keys to a happy life.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Adventure, Western · 805 words
First lines
We rode across the level plain -- We -- my sagacious guide and I. -- He knew the earth -- the air -- the sky; He knew when it would blow or rain, And when the weather would be dry: The blended blades of grass spake out To him when Redskins were about; The wagon tracks would tell him too, The very day that they rolled through: He knew their burden -- whence they came -- If any horse along were lame, And what its owner ought to do; He knew when it would snow; he knew, By some strange intuition, when The buffalo would overflow The prairies like a flood, and then Recede in their stampede again. He knew all things -- yea, he did know The brand of liquor in my flask, And many times did tilt it up, Nor halt or hesitate one whit, Nor pause to slip the silver cup From off its crystal base, nor ask Why I preferred to drink from it.
What this Textopian page supports
The Guide. Imitated is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Adventure, Western, Folklore, Humor
- Length: 805 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Guide. Imitated 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
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Similar titles
- Us Poets by Franklin P. Adams
- The Adventurer Rhymes For The Times by Harry Graham
- The Pathos Of Applause by James Whitcomb Riley
- A Holiday In A Vacation by Henry Van Dyke
- Vain Words by Franklin P. Adams
- Oh Man by Franklin P. Adams
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Adventure — The narrative involves a journey across a plain with elements of exploration and discovery, typical of adventure stories.
- Western — The setting and references to the plains, Native Americans, and buffalo align with themes common in Western literature.
- Folklore — The guide's knowledge and experiences, including being raised by Native Americans, reflect elements of folklore and oral tradition.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Poetry Collection · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Humor · Irony · Critique of Society · Commentary on Human Nature · Observational Humor · Wit · Sarcasm