The Little Lady
The story revolves around a young girl who lives with her grandmother and uncle on a farm. She is described as being small and delicate, but also strong-willed and independent. The narrative explores themes of childhood innocence, the struggles of rural life, and the importance of family relationships.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Pastoral · 261 words
First lines
O The Little Lady's dainty As the picture in a book, And her hands are creamy-whiter Than the water-lilies look; Her laugh's the undrown'd music Of the maddest meadow-brook. -- Yet all in vain I praise The Little Lady!
Her eyes are blue and dewy As the glimmering Summer-dawn, -- Her face is like the eglantine Before the dew is gone; And were that honied mouth of hers A bee's to feast upon, He'd be a bee bewildered, Little Lady!
Her brow makes light look sallow; And the sunshine, I declare, Is but a yellow jealousy Awakened by her hair -- For O the dazzling glint of it Nor sight nor soul can bear, -- So Love goes groping for The Little Lady.
What this Textopian page supports
The Little Lady is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Pastoral, Children's Literature
- Length: 261 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Little Lady 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
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, focusing on vivid imagery and lyrical expression.
- Romantic — The poem emphasizes beauty, admiration, and idealized descriptions, common in romantic literature.
- Pastoral — The imagery includes natural elements like water-lilies, meadow-brooks, and summer dawns, evoking a pastoral setting.
- Children's Literature — The subject is a young girl, and the tone is light and whimsical, appealing to a younger audience.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Nursery Rhyme · Folklore · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Structure · Childhood Innocence · Naivety