'Our Hired Girl' by James Whitcomb Riley
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1Our hired girl, she's 'Lizabuth Ann;
2An' she can cook best things to eat!
3She ist puts dough in our pie-pan,
4An' pours in somepin' 'at's good an' sweet;
5An' nen she salts it all on top
6With cinnamon; an' nen she'll stop
7An' stoop an' slide it, ist as slow,
8In th' old cook-stove, so's 'twon't slop
9An' git all spilled; nen bakes it, so
10It's custard-pie, first thing you know!
11An' nen she'll say,
12"Clear out o' my way!
13They's time fer work, an' time fer play!
14Take yer dough, an' run, child, run!
15Er I cain't git no cookin' done!"
16When our hired girl 'tends like she's mad,
17An' says folks got to walk the chalk
18When she's around, er wisht they had!
19I play out on our porch an' talk
20To Th' Raggedy Man 'at mows our lawn;
21An' he says, "Whew!" an' nen leans on
22His old crook-scythe, and blinks his eyes,
23An' sniffs all 'round an' says, "I swawn!
24Ef my old nose don't tell me lies,
25It 'pears like I smell custard-pies!"
26An' nen he'll say,
27"Clear out o' my way!
28They's time fer work, an' time fer play!
29Take yer dough, an' run, child, run!
30Er she cain't git no cookin' done!"
31Wunst our hired girl, when she
32Got the supper, an' we all et,
33An' it wuz night, an' Ma an' me
34An' Pa went wher' the "Social" met, --
35An' nen when we come home, an' see
36A light in the kitchen door, an' we
37Heerd a maccordeun, Pa says, "Lan'-
38O'-Gracious! who can her beau be?"
39An' I marched in, an' 'Lizabuth Ann
40Wuz parchin' corn fer The Raggedy Man!
41Better say,
42"Clear out o' the way!
43They's time fer work, an' time fer play!
44Take the hint, an' run, child, run!
45Er we cain't git no courtin' done!"
Editor 1 Interpretation
Our Hired Girl: A Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever been transported to a different time and place through a piece of literature? Have you ever read a poem that captured the essence of a bygone era so vividly that you could almost smell the hay in the barn or hear the clucking of the chickens? If not, then you must read "Our Hired Girl" by James Whitcomb Riley.
This classic poem, first published in 1883, takes the reader on a journey to rural America in the late 19th century. Through the eyes of the narrator, we meet the hired girl, a young woman who works for the family and takes care of the household chores. But she is more than just a servant—she is a beloved member of the family, a friend, and a source of comfort and wisdom.
The Structure of the Poem
"Our Hired Girl" is written in free verse, with irregular line lengths and no rhyme scheme. This form of poetry allows the author to create a more natural and conversational tone, as if the narrator is speaking directly to the reader. The poem is divided into two parts, each with its own distinct tone and style.
The first part of the poem is written in the voice of the hired girl herself. She speaks in a rural American dialect, using words and phrases that may be unfamiliar to modern readers. This adds to the authenticity of the poem and helps to capture the flavor of the time and place. The hired girl tells us about her daily routine, her chores, and her interactions with the family. She also shares her thoughts and feelings about her life and her place in the world.
The second part of the poem is written in the voice of the narrator, who describes the hired girl and her role in the family. This part is written in more formal language, with longer and more complex sentences. The narrator praises the hired girl for her hard work, her kindness, and her wisdom. He also reflects on the larger themes of the poem, such as the importance of family, the value of hard work, and the beauty of simple pleasures.
The Characters of the Poem
The hired girl is the central character of the poem, and she is portrayed as a strong, capable, and kind-hearted young woman. She works hard to take care of the family, doing everything from cooking and cleaning to caring for the children and animals. She is also a source of comfort and wisdom for the family, offering advice and guidance when they need it most.
The family itself is also an important part of the poem. They are portrayed as a close-knit group, bound together by love and shared experiences. The hired girl is not just a servant to them, but a member of the family in her own right. They appreciate her hard work and her companionship, and they value her as a person.
The Themes of the Poem
"Our Hired Girl" explores a number of themes that are still relevant today. One of the most prominent themes is the importance of hard work and the value of labor. The hired girl works tirelessly to take care of the family, and she takes pride in her work. The narrator praises her for her diligence and her dedication, and he recognizes the value of her contributions to the household.
Another theme of the poem is the importance of family and community. The hired girl is not just a servant, but a member of the family. She is valued for her companionship and her wisdom, and she is respected for her hard work and her contributions to the household. The poem celebrates the bonds of family and the importance of working together to build a better life.
Finally, the poem celebrates the beauty of simple pleasures and the joy of everyday life. The hired girl finds happiness in the simple things, such as the beauty of nature, the companionship of animals, and the love of family. The narrator recognizes the value of these simple pleasures, and he encourages the reader to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
The Significance of the Poem
"Our Hired Girl" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It captures the essence of a bygone era and presents a vivid and authentic portrait of rural American life in the late 19th century. The poem celebrates the value of hard work, the importance of family and community, and the beauty of simple pleasures.
But the poem is also significant for its message of equality and respect for all people. The hired girl is not just a hired hand, but a valued member of the family. She is respected for her hard work, her wisdom, and her contributions to the household. The poem challenges the reader to look beyond social status and recognize the inherent value of every person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Our Hired Girl" is a classic poem that has much to offer modern readers. It presents a vivid and authentic portrait of rural American life in the late 19th century, and it celebrates the importance of hard work, family, and community. But more than that, it is a poem that challenges us to recognize the value of every person, regardless of their social status or background. It is a poem that celebrates the beauty of everyday life and encourages us to appreciate the simple pleasures that make life worth living.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Our Hired Girl: A Masterpiece of American Literature
James Whitcomb Riley, the renowned American poet, is known for his unique style of writing that captures the essence of rural life in the late 19th century. His poem "Our Hired Girl" is a classic example of his work, and it has been widely celebrated for its vivid imagery, humor, and emotional depth. In this article, we will explore the poem in detail and analyze its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem "Our Hired Girl" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a young girl who works as a hired help in a rural household. The poem is written in the first person, and the narrator is a young boy who is fascinated by the hired girl's stories and songs. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with four lines, and it follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB.
The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the hired girl. The narrator describes her as a "jolly, good-natured girl" who sings and tells stories to the children. The second stanza focuses on the hired girl's appearance, and the narrator describes her as "homely" but "kindly." The third stanza is where the poem takes a humorous turn, as the hired girl tells a story about a man who ate too much pie and got stuck in a chair.
The fourth stanza is the emotional heart of the poem, as the hired girl sings a lullaby to the children. The lullaby is a poignant reminder of the hired girl's own childhood, and it reveals her longing for a simpler time. The fifth stanza returns to humor, as the hired girl tells another story about a man who got his head stuck in a fence. The final stanza brings the poem to a close, as the narrator reflects on the hired girl's impact on their lives and expresses his gratitude for her presence.
One of the key themes of the poem is the power of storytelling. The hired girl is a master storyteller, and her stories and songs captivate the children and the narrator. Through her stories, she brings joy and laughter into their lives, and she also teaches them important lessons about life. The poem celebrates the art of storytelling and reminds us of its ability to connect people and create a sense of community.
Another theme of the poem is the importance of human connection. The hired girl is not just a hired help; she is a beloved member of the household. The children and the narrator have formed a deep bond with her, and they cherish her presence in their lives. The poem highlights the value of human relationships and the impact that a kind and caring person can have on others.
The structure of the poem is simple but effective. The consistent rhyme scheme and the four-line stanzas create a sense of rhythm and flow that mirrors the hired girl's storytelling. The use of humor and emotion in the poem also adds to its effectiveness, as it creates a balance between light-heartedness and depth.
The poem also employs several literary devices that enhance its impact. One of these devices is imagery, which is used to create vivid and memorable descriptions. For example, the hired girl is described as having a "laugh as glad as a glad bird's trill," which creates a clear image of her joyful personality. Another device used in the poem is repetition, which is used to emphasize certain phrases and create a sense of rhythm. For example, the phrase "our hired girl" is repeated throughout the poem, which reinforces her importance in the household.
In conclusion, "Our Hired Girl" is a masterpiece of American literature that celebrates the power of storytelling and the importance of human connection. Through its vivid imagery, humor, and emotional depth, the poem captures the essence of rural life in the late 19th century and reminds us of the timeless values that unite us as human beings. James Whitcomb Riley's legacy as a poet is secure, and "Our Hired Girl" remains a classic example of his unique and enduring style.
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