In Lupum by Robert Louis Stevenson

Name: In Lupum
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The narrative unfolds in a whimsical and satirical exploration of the concept of land ownership and the nature of farming. The protagonist reflects on the absurdity of a small, barren plot of land that is humorously described as a "farm." The imagery evokes a sense of irony, as the protagonist contrasts the grand expectations of agriculture with the meager reality of their surroundings. The protagonist's musings reveal a deep sense of disillusionment with the idea of cultivation. The land is depicted as a desolate space where a single tuft of rue and a solitary cucumber represent the entirety of the harvest. The presence of a mole as the gardener and a mouse as a wild creature emphasizes the futility of traditional farming in this context. The protagonist's longing for a bountiful harvest is met with the stark reality of a barren landscape, where even the smallest creatures dominate the scene. The poem critiques the romanticized notion of rural life and the labor associated with it. The protagonist's sarcastic tone suggests a rejection of societal norms surrounding agriculture and ownership. The imagery of a low-flying swallow and the mention of mythological creatures serve to heighten the absurdity of the situation, reinforcing the idea that true abundance is unattainable in this constrained environment. Ultimately, the protagonist's declaration to return the farm and request a mere half a gill encapsulates the overarching theme of disillusionment with material possessions and the superficiality of societal expectations. The work invites readers to reconsider the value placed on land and the true essence of cultivation, suggesting that genuine fulfillment may lie beyond conventional measures of success.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Philosophical · 287 words

First lines

BEYOND the gates thou gav'st a field to till; I have a larger on my window-sill.

A farm, d'ye say? Is this a farm to you, Where for all woods I spay one tuft of rue, And that so rusty, and so small a thing, One shrill cicada hides it with a wing; Where one cucumber covers all the plain; And where one serpent rings himself in vain To enter wholly; and a single snail Eats all and exit fasting to the pool? Here shall my gardener be the dusty mole.

My only ploughman the. mole.

Here shall I wait in vain till figs be set, And till the spring disclose the violet.

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In Lupum is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1893 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1893 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Philosophical, Satire, Romanticism
Length: 287 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Nature Writing — The themes revolve around nature, agriculture, and the relationship between humans and the environment.
Philosophical — The text explores deeper meanings and reflections on existence and human experience.
Satire — The work contains elements of irony and critique regarding human endeavors and expectations.