Duddingstone

Name: Duddingstone
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The narrative unfolds in a serene natural setting, where the protagonist reflects on a past experience filled with joy and connection. The landscape is vibrant, with woods alive with sounds and a lake that mirrors the beauty of the surroundings. The speaker's heart is filled with exuberance, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a day spent skating on the lake with a beloved companion. As the speaker reminisces, the imagery of the past is vivid, capturing the thrill of gliding across the ice and the intimacy shared between the two. The act of skating becomes a metaphor for their relationship, characterized by harmony and mutual support. The physical closeness is emphasized, with hands intertwined and movements synchronized, symbolizing a deep emotional bond. The speaker's declaration of love is intertwined with the natural elements, suggesting that their feelings are as enduring as the landscape itself. The mention of potential tragedy—drowning—serves to heighten the intensity of their connection, implying that even in peril, their love would prevail. The work encapsulates themes of love, memory, and the interplay between nature and human emotion, creating a poignant reflection on the beauty of shared experiences.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1892 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Writing · 249 words

First lines

WITH caws and chirrupings, the woods In this thin sun rejoice.

The Psalm seems but the little kirk That sings with its own voice.

The cloud-rifts share their amber light With the surface of the mere- I think the very stones are glad To feel each other near.

Once more my whole heart leaps and swells And gushes o'er with glee; The fingers of the sun and shade Touch music stops in me.

What this Textopian page supports

Duddingstone is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1892 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1892 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Writing, Love Poetry, Narrative Poetry
Length: 249 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Robert Louis Stevenson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of nature, emotion, and personal experience align with Romantic ideals.
Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the natural landscape highlight the beauty and emotional connection to nature.
Love Poetry — The poem explores themes of love and intimacy between the speaker and their companion.