His Memory by Ring Lardner (1932)
The narrative explores the contrasting nature of memory through the lens of a parent observing their child's experiences. The child possesses a remarkable ability to forget pain and misfortune almost instantly, demonstrating a carefree and resilient spirit. This contrasts sharply with the parent's own burdens, as they grapple with the weight of responsibilities, debts, and unfulfilled tasks. The parent expresses a longing to emulate the child's selective memory, wishing to forget unpleasant realities while focusing on joyful prospects, such as the anticipation of payday and the happiness derived from their child. The poem reflects on the innocence of childhood and the complexities of adult life, highlighting the emotional weight that comes with maturity. Through vivid imagery and a rhythmic structure, the work captures the essence of nostalgia and the desire for simplicity, ultimately revealing the bittersweet nature of memory and the human experience. The juxtaposition of the child's carefree existence against the parent's worries serves as a poignant commentary on the passage of time and the inevitable loss of innocence.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1932 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Humor · 172 words
First lines
Besides my little son's imagination, Another thing he has appeals to me And agitates my envious admiration --
It's his accommodating memory.
An instant after some unlucky stumble Has floored him and induced a howl of pain, He's clean forgotten all about his tumble And violently sets out to romp again.
But if, when I leave home, I say that maybe I'll get him something nice while I'm away, It's very safe to bet that Mr. Baby Will not forget, though I be gone all day.
What this Textopian page supports
His Memory is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ring Lardner, dated 1932 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ring Lardner
- Date: 1932 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Humor, Family Drama, Philosophical
- Length: 172 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for His Memory by Ring Lardner
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering His Memory?
- How does this poem by Ring Lardner fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore memory, childhood, and the contrast between innocence and adult concerns, typical of literary fiction.
- Humor — The poem contains elements of humor, particularly in the observations about memory and childhood.
- Family Drama — The focus on familial relationships and parental reflections aligns with family drama themes.
Tags
memory · imagination · childhood · innocence · nostalgia · parenting · joy · pain · forgetfulness · anticipation · humor · life lessons