The Hand-Organ Ball
A young man inherits a hand organ and travels to the city to sell music on the street. He becomes embroiled in a romance with a woman who is being pursued by a wealthy suitor. The story explores themes of love, class differences, and the struggles of making a living as an artist.
By Joseph C. Lincoln · First published 1904 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Slice of Life · 507 words
First lines
When Twilight her soft robe of shadow spreads down. And hushed is the roar and the din, When Evening is cooling the sweltering town, 'Tis then that the frolics begin; And up in dim "Finnegan's Court," on the pavement, Shut in by the loom of the tenement's wall, 'Neath the swinging arc-light, on a warm summer's night, They gather to dance at the hand-organ ball.
'Tis not a society function, you see, But quite an informal affair; The costumes are varied, yet simple and free, And gems are exceedingly rare; The ladies are gowned in their calicoes, fetching, And coatless and cool are the gentlemen, all. In a jacket, they say, one's not rated _au fait_ By the finicky guests at the hand-organ ball.
What this Textopian page supports
The Hand-Organ Ball is listed on Textopian as a poem by Joseph C. Lincoln, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Joseph C. Lincoln
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Slice of Life, Romance, Historical Fiction
- Length: 507 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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- Work identity for The Hand-Organ Ball by Joseph C. Lincoln
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Social Commentary — The themes explore social class, community, and the lives of working-class individuals.
- Slice of Life — The narrative captures a moment in the everyday lives of ordinary people, focusing on their experiences and interactions.
- Romance — There are elements of affection and social interactions that hint at romantic undertones among the characters.
Tags
Nautical Fiction · Maritime Story · New England Setting · Small Town Life · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Coming of Age · Young Adult · Male Protagonist · Fisherman's Life · Coastal Community