The Brown Dwarf of Rugen
This poem tells the story of a young woman who returns to her homeland after years abroad and reflects on her past experiences and relationships. She recalls her time in Italy where she met a man who was a brown dwarf, a term used to describe someone who is neither fully male nor female. The poem explores themes of identity, love, and the complexities of human relationships.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1842 · Genre: Fantasy, Ballad, Adventure · 1,078 words
First lines
The hint of this ballad is found in Arndt's Miirchen, Berlin, 1816. The ballad appeared first in St. Nicholas, whose young readers were advised, while smiling at the absurd superstition, to remember that bad companionship and evil habits, desires, and passions are more to be dreaded now than the Elves and Trolls who frightened the children of past ages.
THE pleasant isle of Rugen looks the Baltic water o'er, To the silver-sanded beaches of the Pomeranian shore;
What this Textopian page supports
The Brown Dwarf of Rugen is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1842 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1842 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Ballad, Adventure, Romance, Folklore
- Length: 1,078 words
- Structure: 1 section, 37 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Brown Dwarf of Rugen by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Brown Dwarf of Rugen?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Dragons Teeth by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- The Hall Of Fantasy by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Lud In The Mist by Hope Mirrlees
- The Mandarin And The Butterfly by L. Frank Baum
- Princess Ballade by Joyce Kilmer
- Behram And Eddetma by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves mythical creatures such as Dwarfs and Trolls, and explores a fantastical underworld.
- Ballad — The work is structured as a ballad, featuring a narrative poem that tells a story through verse.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a quest to rescue his friend, facing challenges in a magical realm.
- Romance — The story includes themes of love and longing, particularly in the relationship between the boy and the girl.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Romance · Fantasy · Mythology · Germanic Culture · Folklore · Symbolism · Allegory · Coming of Age