The Ballad of the Oysterman
'The Ballad of the Oysterman' Summary
The Ballad of the Oysterman is a humorous and tragic poem about a young oysterman who falls in love with the daughter of a fisherman. The oysterman, who is described as "tall and slim," lives on one side of the river, and the young woman lives on the other side. One night, the oysterman decides to swim across the river to meet her. He is successful in reaching the other side, but he is caught in a cramp and drowns. The young woman is heartbroken, and she falls into a swoon.
The poem ends with the two lovers being transformed into oysters and living together in the bottom of the sea. The transformation of the lovers into oysters is a symbol of their love for each other. They are now united in death, and they will never be apart again.
The Ballad of the Oysterman is a classic example of Oliver Wendell Holmes's wit and wordplay. The poem is full of puns and allusions, and it is sure to make you laugh. However, the poem is also surprisingly moving, and it explores the themes of love, loss, and redemption.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
Authors
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
United States
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. (August 29, 1809 – October 7, 1894) was an American physician, poet, and polymath based in Boston. Grouped among the fireside poets, he was acclaimed by his peers as one of t...
Books by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.Download eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
Welcome to Spring by Ring Lardner
Spring has sprung, but for these characters, it's anything but welcome. Welcome to Spring is a collection of poems by Ring Lardner that captures the...
Odes and Sonnets by Clark Ashton Smith
It showcases Smith's mastery of the poetic form and his unique style, which blends elements of the fantastical and the macabre. The poems in "Odes an...
All for Love; or, The World Well Lost by John Dryden
John Dryden's 'All for Love' is a tragic play in blank verse that reimagines the passionate relationship between Roman general Mark Antony and the Egy...
Rhymes of a Red Cross Man by Robert W. Service
In the heart of World War I's devastation, amidst the cacophony of battle and the agonizing cries of the wounded, a silent hero emerges, his compassio...
Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare
This audio recording presents William Shakespeare's renowned Sonnet 18, often referred to as 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?'. The sonnet exp...
Sour Grapes by William Carlos Williams
"Sour Grapes" is a poetic collection that serves as a tantalizing exploration of the human condition, penned by the renowned poet William Carlos Willi...
Hira-Singh's Farewell to Burmah by Laurence Hope
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting its golden hues across the Irrawaddy River, a young man named Hira-Singh stands on the deck of a departing...
Summer Morning by Robert F. Murray
Robert F. Murray's "Summer Morning" is a collection of poems that reflect on themes of youth, life, and mortality. The poems, often tinged with melanc...
In Memoriam by Ewart Alan Mackintosh
Ewart Alan Mackintosh's 'In Memoriam' is a collection of poems that explore the themes of war, loss, and remembrance. Mackintosh was a Scottish soldie...
The Wish by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
It is a beautiful piece of literature that explores the theme of hope and the power of positive thinking. The poem was first published in 1916, and i...
Reviews for The Ballad of the Oysterman
No reviews posted or approved, yet...