When Lide Married Him
The poem describes a woman's marriage to an older man who has been widowed several times before. She is portrayed as being drawn to his wealth and social status, while he sees her as a potential companion to ease the loneliness of his later years. The speaker suggests that she is not truly in love with him, but rather is motivated by material gain.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 367 words
First lines
When Lide married _him_ -- w'y, she had to jes dee-fy The whole poppilation! -- But she never bat' an eye!
Her parents begged, and _threatened_ -- she must give him up -- that _he_ Wuz jes "a common drunkard! " -- And he _wuz_, appearantly. -- Swore they'd chase him off the place Ef he ever showed his face -- Long after she'd _eloped_ with him and _married_ him fer shore! -- When Lide married _him_, it wuz _"Katy, bar the door! "_
What this Textopian page supports
When Lide Married Him is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Realism, Social Commentary
- Length: 367 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for When Lide Married Him 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 When Lide Married Him?
- 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
- The Golden Wedding Of Longwood by John Greenleaf Whittier
- When Maimie Married by James Whitcomb Riley
- Eva by John Greenleaf Whittier
- A Bride by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Suitors by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Bachelor To A Married Flirt by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and marriage, focusing on the relationship between Lide and her husband.
- Drama — The narrative includes dramatic elements such as family conflict, societal defiance, and personal struggle.
- Realism — The story portrays realistic characters and situations, such as economic hardship and societal judgment.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Marriage · Love · Folklore · American Literature · 19th Century · Verse · Ballad · Traditional · Storytelling · Nostalgia