On the Banks of the Sumida
The novel is set in Japan during the Meiji period and revolves around a young American artist who becomes infatuated with a Japanese woman. The story explores themes of cultural identity, love, and the clash between traditional and modern values.
By John Gould Fletcher · First published 1926 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Imagism · 71 words
First lines
Windy evening of autumn, By the grey-green swirling river, People are resting like still boats Tugging uneasily at their cramped chains.
Some are moving slowly Like the easy winds:
Brown-blue, dull-green, the villages in the distance Sleep on the banks of the river: The waters sullenly clash and murmur.
The chatter of the passersby, Is dulled beneath the grey unquiet sky.
What this Textopian page supports
On the Banks of the Sumida is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Gould Fletcher, dated 1926 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Gould Fletcher
- Date: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Imagism, Lyrical, Modernism
- Length: 71 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On the Banks of the Sumida by John Gould Fletcher
- 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The work employs structured verse, imagery, and emotional expression typical of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the river and surrounding landscape highlight the connection to nature.
- Imagism — The focus on precise imagery and clear language aligns with the principles of Imagism.
- Lyrical — The personal and emotional tone reflects lyrical qualities, emphasizing feelings and moods.
Tags
Japanese Culture · Literary Fiction · Poetic Prose · Autobiographical · Memoir · Travelogue · Historical Fiction · Imperial Japan · Meiji Period · Edo Era · Tokyo · Sumida River