The Apartment House by Joyce Kilmer
This poem describes a small apartment house where the speaker lives with their family. The house has a worn and weathered exterior but is warm and welcoming inside. The speaker reflects on the memories they have made within its walls, including laughter, tears, and quiet moments. The poem conveys a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the simple comforts of home.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 162 words
First lines
Severe against the pleasant arc of sky The great stone box is cruelly displayed. The street becomes more dreary from its shade, And vagrant breezes touch its walls and die. Here sullen convicts in their chains might lie, Or slaves toil dumbly at some dreary trade. How worse than folly is their labour made Who cleft the rocks that this might rise on high!
Yet, as I look, I see a woman's face Gleam from a window far above the street. This is a house of homes, a sacred place, By human passion made divinely sweet. How all the building thrills with sudden grace Beneath the magic of Love's golden feet!
What this Textopian page supports
The Apartment House is listed on Textopian as a poem by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Joyce Kilmer
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Social Commentary, Imagism
- Length: 162 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Apartment House by Joyce Kilmer
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Apartment House?
- How does this poem by Joyce Kilmer fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love and beauty are central, aligning with Romantic ideals.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques urban life and the impact of architecture on human experience.
Tags
Literary Fiction · Short Story Collection · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Domestic Life · Family Dynamics · Social Commentary · Satire · Humor · Realism · Psychological Insight · Character Study