Foreign Children

Name: Foreign Children
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem presents a perspective of a child reflecting on the lives of various foreign children from different cultures and regions. The speaker expresses a sense of envy towards the exotic experiences of these children, such as living in unique environments and consuming unusual foods. The imagery evokes a sense of adventure and wonder associated with distant lands, highlighting the allure of their lifestyles. However, the speaker quickly counters this envy by asserting the superiority of their own life. They emphasize the comfort and safety of home, suggesting that while the experiences of foreign children may seem appealing, they come with challenges and discomforts that the speaker does not face. The poem contrasts the romanticized view of adventure with the appreciation of familiar comforts, ultimately conveying a message about the value of one's own experiences and the notion that home offers its own unique joys. The speaker's tone oscillates between admiration for the foreign children's lives and a firm assertion of the advantages of their own situation. This duality reflects a broader theme of cultural appreciation versus the recognition of one's own privileges. The poem invites readers to consider the complexities of childhood experiences across different cultures, while also reinforcing the idea that every life has its own merits and challenges.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1885 · Genre: Children's Poetry, Lyrical Poetry, Cultural Exploration · 150 words

First lines

Little Indian, Sioux or Crow, Little frosty Eskimo, Little Turk or Japanee, O! don't you wish that you were me?

You have seen the scarlet trees And the lions over seas; You have eaten ostrich eggs, And turned the turtles off their legs.

Such a life is very fine, But it's not so nice as mine: You must often, as you trod, Have wearied _not_ to be abroad.

You have curious things to eat, I am fed on proper meat; You must dwell beyond the foam, But I am safe and live at home.

What this Textopian page supports

Foreign Children is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1885 CE.

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

Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1885 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Poetry, Lyrical Poetry, Cultural Exploration, Adventure, Comparative Literature
Length: 150 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Poetry — The work is a poem aimed at children, featuring simple language and themes that appeal to a young audience.
Lyrical Poetry — The poem employs a lyrical style, focusing on personal feelings and experiences related to childhood and imagination.
Cultural Exploration — The poem references various cultures and children from different backgrounds, highlighting themes of diversity and curiosity.
Adventure — The poem evokes a sense of adventure through its imagery of exotic places and experiences.