In Memoriam: John Bunny by Joyce Kilmer
The poem is a tribute to John Bunny, an American actor and comedian who was known for his work in silent films. The speaker reflects on the deceased's life and career, highlighting his comedic talents and the joy he brought to audiences through his performances. The poem also touches on the themes of mortality and the passing of time, as the speaker acknowledges that Bunny is no longer with them.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1912 · Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama · 1,921 words
First lines
There was a clown named Joseph Grimaldi. And when his agile limbs and mobile features were stilled by death there lingered in the minds of the thousands who had laughed at him in Sadler's Wells and Covent Garden only the memory of their mirth.
There was a clown named John Bunny. Now he is dead. But we still may see, and our children's children may see, the gestures and grimaces that made him a welcome visitor in every quarter of the globe. For by grace of the motion-picture camera, John Bunny's art endures.
What this Textopian page supports
In Memoriam: John Bunny is listed on Textopian as an essay by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Joyce Kilmer
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Biography, Comedy, Drama, Film Studies, Cultural Critique
- Length: 1,921 words
- Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for In Memoriam: John Bunny by Joyce Kilmer
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Genres
- Biography — The work focuses on the life and impact of John Bunny, detailing his career and contributions to the art of comedy.
- Comedy — The text discusses the nature of humor and the art of the clown, emphasizing the comedic elements of Bunny's performances.
- Drama — It explores the theatrical aspects of Bunny's career, including his transition from stage to film and the dramatic art of pantomime.
- Film Studies — The work examines the evolution of comedy in film and the significance of motion pictures in preserving the art of performance.
Tags
Poem · Elegy · Memorial · Tribute · Biographical · Autobiographical · Personal · Emotional · Sentimental · Nostalgic · Reflective · Introspective