The Old School-Chum
The story revolves around a reunion of old friends who have drifted apart over the years. The narrator reflects on their past experiences and relationships, highlighting the complexities and nuances of human connections. Through a series of vignettes, the narrative explores themes of nostalgia, regret, and the passage of time.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Sentimental · 197 words
First lines
He puts the poem by, to say His eyes are not themselves to-day!
A sudden glamour o'er his sight -- A something vague, indefinite --
An oft-recurring blur that blinds The printed meaning of the lines,
And leaves the mind all dusk and dim In swimming darkness -- strange to him!
What this Textopian page supports
The Old School-Chum is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nostalgia, Sentimental, Reflective, Literary
- Length: 197 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Old School-Chum 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
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Old School-Chum?
- 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
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- The Old Days by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Plaint Human by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Orchard Lands Of Long Ago by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around reminiscing about childhood emotions and experiences.
- Sentimental — The text evokes tender emotions and reflects on past feelings with a sense of longing.
- Reflective — The narrative involves introspection and contemplation of past experiences and emotions.
Tags
Nostalgia · Friendship · Coming-of-age · Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Indiana · Rural Life · Childhood Memories · Growing Up · Self-Discovery · Social Class