Tom Johnson's Quit. (Ragweed and Fennel)
The poem describes a man who has grown tired of life's struggles and decides to quit. He feels overwhelmed by the difficulties of existence and sees no point in continuing. The speaker reflects on the idea that even nature, with its cycles of growth and decay, seems to be in a state of exhaustion.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Narrative, Humor · 675 words
First lines
A passel o' the boys last night -- / An' me amongst 'em -- kindo got / To talkin' Temper'nce left an' right, / An' workin' up "blue-ribbon," _hot_; / An' while we was a-countin' jes' / How many bed gone into hit / An' signed the pledge, some feller says, -- / "Tom Johnson's quit! "
We laughed, of course -- 'cause Tom, you know, / _He's_ spiled more whisky, boy an' man, / And seed more trouble, high an' low, / Than any chap but Tom could stand: / And so, says I "_He's_ too nigh dead. / Far Temper'nce to benefit! " / The feller sighed agin, and said -- / "Tom Johnson's quit! "
What this Textopian page supports
Tom Johnson's Quit. (Ragweed and Fennel) 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, Narrative, Humor, Social Commentary, Regionalism
- Length: 675 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tom Johnson's Quit. (Ragweed and Fennel) 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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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming pattern, characteristic of poetry.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story about a character named Tom Johnson, providing a narrative arc.
- Humor — The tone and language suggest a humorous take on the situation, especially in the reactions of the characters.
- Social Commentary — The poem addresses themes of temperance and societal reactions to personal change, reflecting on social issues.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Humor · Satire · Rural Life · Agriculture · Farm Life · Nature · Seasonal Themes · Autumn · Fictional Character