The Rossville Lectur' Course
This work is a collection of essays and lectures on literature and poetry, focusing on the American literary tradition. It explores the development of American literature from its colonial roots to the late 19th century. The author examines the works of prominent American writers, including those associated with the Transcendentalist movement.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Humor, Satire, Poetry · 698 words
First lines
[Set down from the real facts of the case that come under notice of the author whilse visitun far distunt relatives who wuz then residin' at Rossville, Mich.]
Folks up here at Rossville got up a Lectur' Course: -- All the leadin' citizens they wuz out in force; Met and talked at Williamses', and 'greed to meet ag'in; And helt another corkus when the next reports wuz in: Met ag'in at Samuelses'; and met ag'in at Moore's, And Johnts putt the shutters up and jest barr'd the door! -- And yit, I'll jest be dagg-don'd! ef't didn't take a week 'Fore we'd settled whare to write to git a man to speak!
What this Textopian page supports
The Rossville Lectur' Course is listed on Textopian as an essay by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1887 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Satire, Poetry, Regionalism, Fiction
- Length: 698 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Rossville Lectur' Course 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 Rossville Lectur' Course?
- How does this essay by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Humor — The narrative is filled with comedic elements, including misunderstandings and exaggerated situations, which are central to the plot and writing style.
- Satire — The text satirizes small-town life and the bureaucratic process of organizing a lecture series, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic form, using rhyme and meter to convey the story.
- Regionalism — The setting and characters are distinctly tied to a specific geographic location, reflecting the culture and dialect of the area.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Indiana Author · 19th Century Writing · Folk Poetry · Regionalism · Rural Life · Nature Imagery · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Local Color