The same Old Story
The story revolves around a young boy who is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his mother. He finds solace in nature and begins to understand that life goes on despite death. The narrative explores themes of grief, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1881 · Genre: Romance, Poetry, Classical Literature · 284 words
First lines
The same old story told again -- The maiden droops her head, The ripening glow of her crimson cheek Is answering in her stead.
The pleading tone of a trembling voice Is telling her the way He loved her when his heart was young In Youth's sunshiny day: The trembling tongue, the longing tone, Imploringly ask why They can not be as happy now As in the days gone by.
And two more hearts, tumultuous With overflowing joy, Are dancing to the music Which that dear, provoking boy Is twanging on his bowstring, As, fluttering his wings, He sends his love-charged arrows While merrily be sings: "Ho! ho! my dainty maiden, It surely can not be You are thinking you are master Of your heart, when it is me."
What this Textopian page supports
The same Old Story is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1881 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: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Poetry, Classical Literature
- Length: 284 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The same Old Story 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The same Old Story?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Romance — The poem centers on themes of love, courtship, and romantic longing, with imagery of Cupid and love's timeless nature.
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem, utilizing rhyme, meter, and vivid imagery to convey its themes.
- Classical Literature — The style and themes reflect traditional literary motifs, such as love and time, common in classical literature.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Folklore · Nostalgia · Sentimental · Romanticism · Nature Imagery · Rural Life · Simple Living · Traditional Values · Social Commentary