The Old Trundle-Bed
The story revolves around a young boy who inherits an old trundle-bed from his grandfather's estate. The bed has been passed down through generations and holds sentimental value. As the boy sleeps in it, he begins to experience vivid dreams that transport him back in time to when his ancestors lived on the same land.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Domestic Fiction · 293 words
First lines
O the old trundle-bed where I slept when a boy!
What canopied king might not covet the joy?
The glory and peace of that slumber of mine, Like a long, gracious rest in the bosom divine: The quaint, homely couch, hidden close from the light, But daintily drawn from its hiding at night.
O a nest of delight, from the foot to the head, Was the queer little, clear little, old trundle-bed!
What this Textopian page supports
The Old Trundle-Bed 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, Nostalgia, Domestic Fiction, Sentimental
- Length: 293 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Old Trundle-Bed by James Whitcomb Riley
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- My Fiddle by James Whitcomb Riley
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- When Old Jack Died Sweet Knot And Galamus by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, with a focus on rhythm, rhyme, and imagery, characteristic of poetic form.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around fond memories of childhood and the past, evoking a sense of longing for simpler times.
- Domestic Fiction — The setting and themes are centered around home life and family, reflecting personal and intimate experiences.
- Sentimental — The work elicits emotions and sentimentality, focusing on personal and emotional connections to the past.
Tags
Nostalgia · Poetry · Childhood Memories · Bedtime Stories · Folklore · Rural Life · Simple Living · Country Tales · Whimsy · Imagination · Fantasy · Coming of Age