The Barley Raking
The narrative unfolds during the summer harvest season, focusing on two lovers, John and Betty, who are faced with separation as John must leave for work. Their parting is filled with sorrow, and Betty, feeling heartbroken, expresses her fears of infidelity through a letter to John, invoking divine powers to ensure his loyalty. Upon receiving her letter, John is perplexed by her doubts, as they have professed their love for each other. He responds gently, reassuring her of his commitment and expressing hope to reunite at the next harvest. He prepares to endure the hardships of his work, determined to return to her. As time passes and the harvest season returns, John comes back, expecting to find Betty waiting for him. However, he discovers that she has moved on and taken another partner, leaving him heartbroken. The story concludes with a reflection on the fickleness of love, suggesting that both men and women can be unfaithful, leaving the question of loyalty and trust in relationships open-ended.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Folk Literature · 521 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. 'Twas in the prime of summer time, When hay it was a making; And harvest tide was coming on, And barley wanted raking; Two woeful lovers met one day, With sighs their sad farewell to say, For John to place must go away, And Betty's heart was breaking. Lovers oft have proved untrue; 'las! what can poor maidens do?
What this Textopian page supports
The Barley Raking is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Folk Literature, Drama, Narrative
- Length: 521 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Barley Raking by Sabine Baring-Gould
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Barley Raking?
- How does this poem by Sabine Baring-Gould fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The False Bride by Sabine Baring Gould
- Down By A River Side by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Green Bushes by Sabine Baring Gould
- Pequena Del Amor Tu No Lo Sabes by Jaime Sabines
- Constant Johnny by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Bonny Bird by Sabine Baring Gould
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love, longing, and betrayal between the two main characters.
- Folk Literature — The narrative reflects traditional themes and storytelling methods found in folk songs and ballads.
- Drama — The emotional conflict and character interactions create a dramatic tension typical of dramatic literature.
Tags
love · heartbreak · loyalty · betrayal · summer · harvest · folk song · romance · letters · longing · faithfulness · sadness