ROSWELL MARTIN FIELD. by Eugene Field: Summary, Meaning & Analysis
This poem pays tribute to Roswell Martin Field, the brother of Eugene Field, and was published posthumously in January 1896—only a few months after Eugene passed away in November 1895.
The poem
BUENA PARK, January, 1896. Contents of this Little Book CASEY'S TABLE D'HÔTE
This poem pays tribute to Roswell Martin Field, the brother of Eugene Field, and was published posthumously in January 1896—only a few months after Eugene passed away in November 1895. It acts as a dedication for a small collection of poems that honor the memory of a cherished sibling. The title and its position at the beginning of the book indicate that this entire collection was presented as a heartfelt gift in loving remembrance.
Line-by-line
BUENA PARK, January, 1896.
Tone & mood
Tender and mournful. Even in its shortness, the piece holds a deep sense of grief and devotion. There's no embellishment — just a name, a place, and a date — which adds to its sincerity.
Symbols & metaphors
- Buena Park — The specific location ties the dedication to Eugene Field's actual home life, indicating that this tribute originates from a personal, intimate space rather than a public or literary one.
- The date (January 1896) — Published after Eugene Field's death, the date subtly indicates that this book serves as a posthumous farewell — a brother dedicating his final work to another brother.
- The little book — Referring to it as a 'little book' shows both humility and warmth. It positions the collection not as a grand literary achievement but as a modest, heartfelt gift — the sort you would give to someone special to you.
Historical context
Eugene Field (1850–1895) was a journalist and poet in Chicago, celebrated for his children's poetry, including the well-loved "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod." His brother, Roswell Martin Field, was also a writer and journalist, and the two maintained a close relationship throughout their lives. Eugene passed away unexpectedly in November 1895, and this collection—dedicated to Roswell—was published posthumously in January 1896, created from Eugene's papers. The dedication serves as a poignant act of remembrance: Eugene pays tribute to his brother in a book he never got to see published. Roswell Martin Field later carved out his own reputation, notably as the father of Rachel Field and as a prominent figure in Chicago's literary community. This dedication beautifully reflects the strong bond between two brothers who lived their lives immersed in literature.
FAQ
Roswell Martin Field was the brother of Eugene Field and also worked as a journalist and writer in Chicago. The two shared a close bond, and in a heartfelt gesture, Eugene dedicated this posthumous collection to him.
It serves more as a dedication than a standalone poem. Short dedications like this were common in 19th-century collections, and they hold genuine emotional weight because of their restraint. The shortness is what matters.
Buena Park was a neighborhood on the north side of Chicago where Eugene Field lived with his family. Mentioning it here ties the dedication to his actual life rather than some vague literary concept.
Eugene Field passed away unexpectedly on November 4, 1895, at the age of 45. This collection was put together from his manuscripts and released in January 1896, becoming one of several volumes published after his death.
It’s the title of the collection’s first poem. A 'table d'hôte' refers to a fixed-price meal at a restaurant, and Casey probably represents an Irish-American character — the type of warm, funny, working-class person Eugene Field enjoyed writing about.
Field is renowned for exploring childhood, family, memory, and gentle humor in his work. While his most famous poems are lullabies and verses for children, he also penned heartfelt tributes to friends and family, as demonstrated by this dedication.
Yes. Victorian and late 19th-century American poets often began their collections with brief dedications to family or close friends. This practice highlighted the personal significance behind their public work.