The Dumb Soldier

Name: The Dumb Soldier
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

A child discovers a toy soldier buried in the grass and reflects on its stillness and silence. The soldier, adorned in a scarlet coat and holding a pointed gun, lies beneath the earth, untouched by time. As seasons change, the child imagines the soldier's experiences, contemplating the beauty of nature and the passage of time. The soldier has witnessed the blooming of flowers and the activities of insects, yet remains mute, unable to share his secrets. This silence prompts the child to create their own stories, filling the void left by the soldier's inability to speak. The narrative explores themes of imagination, the innocence of childhood, and the contrast between the vibrant life of nature and the stillness of inanimate objects. Ultimately, the child must accept the soldier's silence and rely on their creativity to give voice to the experiences they envision.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 322 words

First lines

When the grass was closely mown Walking on the lawn alone, In the turf a hole I found And hid a soldier underground.

Spring and daisies came apace; Grasses hide my hiding place; Grasses run like a green sea O'er the lawn up to my knee.

What this Textopian page supports

The Dumb Soldier is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Nature Writing, Lyrical
Length: 322 words
Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Dumb Soldier by Robert Louis Stevenson
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Children's Literature — The themes of imagination and play, along with the simple language, cater to a younger audience.
Fantasy — The poem evokes a sense of wonder and imagination, depicting a soldier in a whimsical, natural setting.
Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the grass, flowers, and natural elements highlight the beauty of the natural world.