The Gardener

Name: The Gardener
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The work presents a child's perspective on a gardener who is dedicated, serious, and somewhat reclusive. The child observes the gardener's meticulous nature as he tends to the garden, emphasizing his preference for work over play. The gardener is portrayed as a figure of authority, enforcing rules and maintaining order in the garden, which the child finds both puzzling and frustrating. The child expresses a longing for companionship and play, contrasting the gardener's laborious tasks with the joys of childhood games. The gardener's commitment to his work is depicted through vivid imagery of him digging, planting flowers, and cutting hay, all while remaining uncommunicative and focused. The child questions the gardener's choices, suggesting that he would be wiser to engage in playful activities rather than solely dedicating himself to the garden. As the seasons change, the child reflects on the fleeting nature of summer and the inevitability of winter, highlighting the gardener's singular focus on his duties. The child’s playful spirit stands in stark contrast to the gardener's seriousness, creating a tension between the responsibilities of adulthood and the carefree nature of childhood. The work ultimately explores themes of labor, the passage of time, and the differing values placed on work and play, inviting readers to consider the balance between duty and enjoyment in life.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Nature Writing · 200 words

First lines

The gardener does not love to talk, He makes me keep the gravel walk; And when he puts his tools away, He locks the door and takes the key.

Away behind the currant row Where no one else but cook may go, Far in the plots, I see him dig, Old and serious, brown and big.

He digs the flowers, green, red and blue, Nor wishes to be spoken to.

He digs the flowers and cuts the hay, And never seems to want to play.

What this Textopian page supports

The Gardener is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1913 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: 1913 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Nature Writing, Humor, Lyric
Length: 200 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
Children's Literature — The themes and language are accessible to children, focusing on play and nature.
Nature Writing — The poem vividly describes gardening and the natural world.
Humor — The playful tone and depiction of the gardener's seriousness add a humorous element.