Dedication To Christmas Tales and Christmas Verse

By Eugene Field

Narrative Poem
    Why do the bells of Christmas ring?     Why do little children sing?     Once a lovely shining star,     Seen by shepherds from afar,     Gently moved until its light     Made a manger's cradle bright.     There a darling baby lay,     Pillowed soft upon the hay;     And its mother sung and smiled:     "This is Christ, the holy Child!"     Therefore bells for Christmas ring,     Therefore little children sing.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a rich exploration of the Christmas story, blending elements of faith, childhood, and celebration. It's structured as a simple, heartfelt question-and-answer narrative, beginning with inquiries about the purpose behind the ringing bells and singing children that mark Christmas time. The middle stanzas recount the biblical tale of Jesus' birth, with a focus on the guiding star, the humble manger, and the joyous proclamation by the Virgin Mary. The poem concludes by answering its opening questions, attributing the traditions of ringing bells and joyful singing to the birth of Christ.

In terms of tone, the poem is imbued with a sense of wonder and reverence. It employs a straightforward, accessible language, yet is able to convey the profound themes of faith and joy. The poem's rhythm and rhyme scheme create a musical quality, aligning with its subject matter of ringing bells and singing children. While the poem is devoid of complex literary devices, it shines in its ability to effectively and succinctly depict the essence of Christmas, thereby making it relatable to a wide audience. The simplicity of the language and the powerful imagery invite readers to reflect on the origins of their holiday traditions, and the love and joy that those traditions represent.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.