Epistle to Albert Dew-Smith
The work is a humorous and satirical poem written in the form of a letter. The narrator describes his experience in an Alpine valley, expressing dissatisfaction with the accommodations, food, and company. He humorously critiques the local environment, including the landscape, climate, and the local people, whom he finds lacking in certain skills. The narrator reflects on the river's constant movement, contrasting it with his own preference for a more leisurely pace. Ultimately, he concludes that the best course of action, regardless of circumstances, is to relax and enjoy a cigarette. The poem captures a sense of isolation and the absurdity of his situation, while maintaining a light-hearted tone.
By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1888 · Genre: Satire, Epistolary, Lyric Poetry · 621 words
First lines
Figure me to yourself, I pray --
A man of my peculiar cut --
What this Textopian page supports
Epistle to Albert Dew-Smith is listed on Textopian as an essay by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1888 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Epistolary, Lyric Poetry, Humorous, Philosophical
- Length: 621 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Epistle to Albert Dew-Smith by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Satire — The work employs irony and mockery to critique society and conventions through playful yet biting language.
- Epistolary — The text is structured as a personal letter, engaging directly with a specific recipient while framing its narrative.
- Lyric Poetry — Its expressive, rhythmic verse and emphasis on personal reflection align with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Humorous — The witty and playful tone throughout the work underscores its humorous nature.
Tags
epistolary · letter · philosophical · reflective · introspective · Victorian · literary · narrative · essayistic · contemplative · social commentary · dialogue
More by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Treasure Island (1883)
- The Pavilion on the Links (1909)
- Olalla (1885)
- A Child's Garden of Verses (1885)
- Father Damien, An Open Letter To The Reverend Doctor Hyde Of Honolulu (1914)
- A Lowden Sabbath Morn (1916)
- Songs of Travel and Other Verses (1908)
- Prayers Written At Vailima (1916)
- All works by Robert Louis Stevenson