Winter-Time

Name: Winter-Time
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem captures the essence of winter through vivid imagery and sensory details. It begins with a description of the sun, which is portrayed as lazy and reluctant to rise, casting a warm yet fleeting glow before quickly setting. The speaker describes the early morning routine, highlighting the discomfort of coldness and the need for warmth. The speaker's experience of winter is marked by the contrast between the harshness of the cold and the comfort of the fire. The imagery of a reindeer-sled suggests exploration and adventure, yet it is tempered by the reality of winter's chill. The nurse's role in wrapping the speaker in warm clothing emphasizes the protective measures taken against the biting cold. As the speaker ventures outside, the starkness of the winter landscape is illustrated through the description of black footprints on white frost, evoking a sense of isolation and beauty. The poem concludes with a metaphor comparing the frost-covered scenery to a wedding cake, highlighting the enchanting yet cold nature of winter. Overall, the work encapsulates the duality of winter: its beauty and its harshness, experienced through the eyes of a child.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Nature Writing · 196 words

First lines

Late lies the wintry sun a-bed, A frosty, fiery sleepy-head; Blinks but an hour or two; and then, A blood-red orange, sets again.

Before the stars have left the skies, At morning in the dark I rise; And shivering in my nakedness, By the cold candle, bathe and dress.

Close by the jolly fire I sit To warm my frozen bones a bit; Or with a reindeer-sled, explore The colder countries round the door.

When to go out, my nurse doth wrap Me in my comforter and cap; The cold wind burns my face and blows Its frosty pepper up my nose.

What this Textopian page supports

Winter-Time 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: Poetry, Children's Literature, Nature Writing, Seasonal Literature, Lyrical
Length: 196 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Winter-Time 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
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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 and imagery are accessible and appealing to a young audience, focusing on winter experiences.
Nature Writing — The poem vividly describes winter landscapes and natural phenomena, emphasizing the beauty and chill of the season.
Seasonal Literature — The entire poem revolves around the winter season, capturing its essence and atmosphere.