'Little Orphant Annie' by James Whitcomb Riley
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1Little Orphant Annie's come to our house to stay,
2An' wash the cups an' saucers up, an' brush the crumbs away,
3An' shoo the chickens off the porch, an' dust the hearth, an' sweep,
4An' make the fire, an' bake the bread, an' earn her board-an'-keep;
5An' all us other childern, when the supper-things is done,
6We set around the kitchen fire an' has the mostest fun
7A-list'nin' to the witch-tales 'at Annie tells about,
8An' the Gobble-uns 'at gits you
9Ef you
10Don't
11Watch
12Out!
13Wunst they wuz a little boy wouldn't say his prayers, --
14An' when he went to bed at night, away up-stairs,
15His Mammy heerd him holler, an' his Daddy heerd him bawl,
16An' when they turn't the kivvers down, he wuzn't there at all!
17An' they seeked him in the rafter-room, an' cubby-hole, an' press,
18An' seeked him up the chimbly-flue, an' ever'-wheres, I guess;
19But all they ever found wuz thist his pants an' roundabout: --
20An' the Gobble-uns 'll git you
21Ef you
22Don't
23Watch
24Out!
25An' one time a little girl 'ud allus laugh an' grin,
26An' make fun of ever' one, an' all her blood-an'-kin;
27An' wunst, when they was "company," an' ole folks wuz there,
28She mocked 'em an' shocked 'em, an' said she didn't care!
29An' thist as she kicked her heels, an' turn't to run an' hide,
30They wuz two great big Black Things a-standin' by her side,
31An' they snatched her through the ceilin' 'fore she knowed what she's about!
32An' the Gobble-uns 'll git you
33Ef you
34Don't
35Watch
36Out!
37An' little Orphant Annie says, when the blaze is blue,
38An' the lamp-wick sputters, an' the wind goes woo-oo!
39An' you hear the crickets quit, an' the moon is gray,
40An' the lightnin'-bugs in dew is all squenched away, --
41You better mind yer parunts, an' yer teachurs fond an' dear,
42An' churish them 'at loves you, an' dry the orphant's tear,
43An' he'p the pore an' needy ones 'at clusters all about,
44Er the Gobble-uns 'll git you
45Ef you
46Don't
47Watch
48Out!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
"Little Orphant Annie" is a classic poem by James Whitcomb Riley, first published in 1885. It tells the story of a young orphan girl who warns children of the dangers of misbehaving by reciting the famous lines "An' the Gobble-uns'll git you / Ef you don't watch out!" The poem has become a popular children's bedtime story and a symbol of American folklore.
Riley's poem is an excellent example of storytelling through poetry. He uses simple yet powerful language and vivid imagery to convey a cautionary message to his young readers. Riley's poem has stood the test of time, and even today, it continues to capture the imagination of children and adults alike.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the poem's themes, style, and structure to better understand its lasting impact on American literature.
Themes
One of the primary themes of "Little Orphant Annie" is the importance of good behavior. The poem warns children of the consequences of misbehaving, such as being taken away by the "gobble-uns." However, the poem's message is not limited to children. Adults can also learn from the poem's cautionary tale about the importance of being accountable for one's actions.
Another theme of the poem is the power of imagination. Through Annie's stories, the children are transported to a world of wonder and excitement. The poem shows how children can find joy and meaning in their lives through the power of imagination, even in the face of adversity.
Finally, the poem highlights the importance of community. Annie's stories bring the children together, and they bond over their shared experiences. The poem encourages readers to value their relationships with others and to find strength in their connections to their communities.
Style
Riley's style in "Little Orphant Annie" is simple yet effective. He uses colloquial language and dialect to create a folksy, down-to-earth tone that is relatable to his readers. The poem's rhyming scheme and rhythmic structure make it easy to read and remember, making it an ideal bedtime story for children.
One notable aspect of Riley's style is his use of repetition. He repeats certain phrases, such as "An' the Gobble-uns'll git you," to create a sense of urgency and to emphasize the poem's central message. The repetition also helps to reinforce the poem's rhythm, making it even more memorable.
Riley's use of imagery is also noteworthy. He uses vivid descriptions, such as "the flicker of the shadows" and "the Little Orphant Annie" to create a sense of atmosphere and to bring the poem's setting to life. His descriptions of the "gobble-uns" are also imaginative and memorable, painting a picture of these mischievous creatures that is both frightening and fascinating.
Structure
The structure of "Little Orphant Annie" is straightforward. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The poem's rhyme scheme is AABB, with the first and second lines rhyming with each other, as do the third and fourth lines.
The poem's structure is simple, but it serves a purpose. The repetition of the rhyme scheme and stanza structure creates a sense of familiarity and comfort for readers. The poem feels like a well-worn story that has been passed down through generations. This sense of familiarity makes the poem all the more effective in conveying its cautionary message.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Little Orphant Annie" is a timeless poem that continues to capture the imagination of readers today. Its themes of good behavior, imagination, and community are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first published. Riley's style and structure are simple yet effective, making the poem an ideal bedtime story for children.
The poem's enduring popularity is a testament to Riley's skill as a storyteller and his ability to connect with his readers. Through his words, he has created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and entertain generations of readers. As the poem's famous lines remind us, "An' the Gobble-uns'll git you / Ef you don't watch out!"
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Little Orphant Annie: A Classic Poem by James Whitcomb Riley
If you grew up in the United States, chances are you've heard of Little Orphant Annie. This classic poem by James Whitcomb Riley has been a staple of American literature for over a century, captivating readers with its charming rhymes and eerie imagery. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the poem's themes, structure, and historical context to understand why it has endured as a beloved piece of American folklore.
The poem tells the story of a young girl named Annie who works as a servant in a household. She entertains the children with spooky tales of goblins and ghosts, warning them to behave or risk being taken away by these malevolent creatures. The poem's refrain, "An' the Gobble-uns'll git you ef you don't watch out!" has become a cultural touchstone, evoking both fear and whimsy in readers of all ages.
One of the most striking aspects of Little Orphant Annie is its use of dialect. Riley wrote the poem in the Hoosier dialect, a regional variant of English spoken in Indiana and other parts of the Midwest. This dialect is characterized by its unique pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, which can be challenging for non-native speakers to understand. However, Riley's use of dialect adds a layer of authenticity to the poem, immersing readers in the world of rural Indiana in the late 19th century.
The poem's structure is also noteworthy. It consists of four stanzas, each with eight lines of rhyming couplets. The rhyme scheme is AABBCCDD, with each line containing eight syllables. This strict structure gives the poem a sing-song quality, making it easy to memorize and recite. The repetition of the refrain at the end of each stanza reinforces the poem's central message, emphasizing the importance of being good and avoiding the wrath of the Gobble-uns.
At its core, Little Orphant Annie is a cautionary tale. The poem warns children of the dangers of misbehaving and the consequences of not listening to their elders. Annie's stories of the Gobble-uns serve as a metaphor for the consequences of bad behavior, reminding readers that their actions have consequences. However, the poem also celebrates the power of storytelling and the importance of passing down traditions from one generation to the next. Annie's tales are a way of connecting the children to their cultural heritage, instilling in them a sense of pride and belonging.
The historical context of the poem is also worth exploring. James Whitcomb Riley was born in 1849 in Greenfield, Indiana, and grew up in a rural, working-class family. He began writing poetry as a teenager and eventually became one of the most popular poets of his time. His work often celebrated the simple pleasures of rural life, while also addressing the social and economic challenges faced by working-class Americans.
Little Orphant Annie was first published in 1885, during a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization in the United States. As more and more people moved from rural areas to cities, traditional ways of life were threatened. Riley's poem can be seen as a nostalgic tribute to a simpler time, when storytelling and community were central to daily life. It also reflects the anxieties of the time, as people struggled to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
In conclusion, Little Orphant Annie is a classic poem that has endured for over a century. Its use of dialect, strict structure, and eerie imagery have captivated readers of all ages, while its message of caution and celebration of tradition continue to resonate with modern audiences. As we continue to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, Riley's poem reminds us of the power of storytelling and the importance of passing down our cultural heritage to future generations. So, the next time you hear someone say, "An' the Gobble-uns'll git you ef you don't watch out!" remember the timeless wisdom of Little Orphant Annie.
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