Why is the poem written in dialect? Is it hard to read?

Lowell used a phonetic spelling of rural New England speech to give the characters an authentic and relatable voice — this reflects how people in the Massachusetts countryside spoke in the mid-1800s. At first, it might seem odd on the page, but reading it aloud helps it make sense quickly. Words like 'sech' (such), 'pootiest' (prettiest), and 'kist' (kissed) are the primary challenges, but the context usually clarifies their meanings.

What does 'pity Zekle' mean in the line 'But hern went pity Zekle'?

It's a play on the term 'pity-pat,' which mimics the sound of a nervous heartbeat. Zekle's heart goes 'pity-pat' out of anxiety, while Huldy's heart goes 'pity Zekle' — indicating that her heartbeat is calling his name. This is Lowell's way of showing us that even though Huldy acts indifferent, she's already head over heels for him.

What is the Old Hundredth that Zekle sings?

The Old Hundredth is one of the most well-known Protestant hymns, set to Psalm 100 ('All people that on earth do dwell'). It's a robust, powerful hymn meant for congregational singing — the kind where a strong voice truly shines. Huldy listening to Zekle sing it loudly in the choir and feeling a deeper connection to God is both heartfelt and subtly amusing.

What does 'they was cried in meetin'' mean at the end?

Having your banns read aloud in church was the traditional way to announce an upcoming marriage. The congregation would hear the couple's names mentioned on three consecutive Sundays, allowing anyone with an objection to voice their concerns. So, the last line tells us that Zekle and Huldy are officially engaged and on their way to marriage.

Is this poem part of a larger work?

Yes. "The Courtin'" is included in Lowell's *Biglow Papers*, a two-series collection of dialect poems released between 1848 and 1867. While much of the collection consists of political satire targeting the Mexican-American War and later reflecting on the Civil War, "The Courtin'" stands out as a humorous romance and has become the most beloved piece in the entire collection.

What is the significance of the grandfather's musket from Concord?

The Battle of Concord in 1775 was one of the first fights of the American Revolution — the 'shot heard round the world.' Grandfather Young returned with his musket broken, proving he was there and fought. Hanging it by the chimney shows that this family has deep roots in American history. It adds a quiet sense of heritage and continuity to the cozy domestic scene.

How does Lowell treat gender in the poem — is the 'gals say no when they mean yes' stanza sexist?

By today's standards, the stanza where the narrator casually mentions that women say no when they actually mean yes highlights a noticeable stereotype. In this context, Lowell is humorously critiquing the entire courtship ritual — both Zekle and Huldy are acting out roles that don't reflect their true feelings. Earlier in the poem, we also see Huldy's perspective, revealing her nervousness and hopefulness, rather than any intention to manipulate. The narrator's remark serves more as a comedic aside regarding social performance than as a serious statement about women's honesty.

The Annotated Edition

THE COURTIN' by James Russell Lowell

Summary, meaning, line-by-line analysis & FAQ.

Read aloud in ~5 minOpen reading mode →

A young man named Zekle quietly approaches a farmhouse window on a snowy, moonlit night and sees Huldy, the girl he loves, peeling apples by the fire.

Poet: James Russell Lowell
Themes: growing-up, home, love

The PoemFull text

THE COURTIN'

James Russell Lowell

God makes sech nights, all white an' still Fur 'z you can look or listen, Moonshine an' snow on field an' hill, All silence an' all glisten. Zekle crep' up quite unbeknown An' peeked in thru' the winder, An' there sot Huldy all alone, 'ith no one nigh to hender. A fireplace filled the room's one side With half a cord o' wood in-- There warn't no stoves (tell comfort died) To bake ye to a puddin'. The wa'nut logs shot sparkles out Towards the pootiest, bless her, An' leetle flames danced all about The chiny on the dresser. Agin the chimbley crook-necks hung, An' in amongst 'em rusted The ole queen's-arm thet gran'ther Young Fetched back f'om Concord busted. The very room, coz she was in, Seemed warm f'om floor to ceilin', An' she looked full ez rosy agin Ez the apples she was peelin'. 'Twas kin' o' kingdom come to look On sech a blessed cretur, A dogrose blushin' to a brook Ain't modester nor sweeter. He was six foot o' man, A 1, Clear grit an' human natur', None couldn't quicker pitch a ton Nor dror a furrer straighter. He'd sparked it with full twenty gals, Hed squired 'em, danced 'em, druv 'em, Fust this one, an' then thet, by spells-- All is, he couldn't love 'em. But long o' her his veins 'ould run All crinkly like curled maple, The side she breshed felt full o' sun Ez a south slope in Ap'il. She thought no v'ice hed sech a swing Ez hisn in the choir; My! when he made Ole Hunderd ring, She _knowed_ the Lord was nigher. An' she'd blush scarlit, right in prayer, When her new meetin'-bunnet Felt somehow thru' its crown a pair O' blue eyes sot upon it. Thet night, I tell ye, she looked _some!_ She seemed to've gut a new soul, For she felt sartin-sure he'd come, Down to her very shoe-sole. She heered a foot, an' knowed it tu, A-raspin' on the scraper,-- All ways to once, her feelins flew Like sparks in burnt-up paper. He kin' o' l'itered on the mat, Some doubtfle o' the sekle, His heart kep' goin' pity-pat, But hern went pity Zekle. An' yit she gin her cheer a jerk Ez though she wished him furder, An' on her apples kep' to work, Parin' away like murder. 'You want to see my Pa, I s'pose?' 'Wal ... no ... I come dasignin'-- 'To see my Ma? She's sprinklin' clo'es Agin to-morrer's i'nin'.' To say why gals acts so or so, Or don't, 'ould be persumin'; Mebby to mean _yes_ an' say _no_ Comes nateral to women. He stood a spell on one foot fust, Then stood a spell on t'other, An' on which one he felt the wust He couldn't ha' told ye nuther. Says he, 'I'd better call agin:' Says she, 'Think likely, Mister:' Thet last word pricked him like a pin, An' ... Wal, he up an' kist her. When Ma bimeby upon 'em slips, Huldy sot pale ez ashes, All kin' o' smily roun' the lips An' teary roun' the lashes. For she was jes' the quiet kind Whose naturs never vary, Like streams that keep a summer mind Snowhid in Jenooary. The blood clost roun' her heart felt glued Too tight for all expressin', Tell mother see how metters stood, An' gin 'em both her blessin'. Then her red come back like the tide Down to the Bay o' Fundy, An' all I know is they was cried In meetin' come nex' Sunday.

§01Quick summary

What this poem is about

A young man named Zekle quietly approaches a farmhouse window on a snowy, moonlit night and sees Huldy, the girl he loves, peeling apples by the fire. After some nervous shuffling and a bit of awkward small talk, he gathers the courage to kiss her. By the next Sunday, their engagement is announced at church.

§02Themes

Recurring themes

§03Line by line

Stanza by stanza, with notes

God makes sech nights, all white an' still / Fur 'z you can look or listen,
Editor's note
Lowell opens with a wide-angle view of a perfect New England winter night—moonlight, snow, and total silence. This creates a magical, almost sacred atmosphere before we dive into the human story. The dialect spelling ('sech', 'fur 'z') immediately signals that this poem is about ordinary rural people, not elevated literary figures.
Zekle crep' up quite unbeknown / An' peeked in thru' the winder,
Editor's note
We meet Zekle as a bit of a sneak—he sneaks up and peeks through the window instead of knocking. This comes off as charming rather than sinister; it shows he's nervous and infatuated. Inside, Huldy is alone, meaning there's no chaperone to make things complicated.
A fireplace filled the room's one side / With half a cord o' wood in--
Editor's note
Lowell describes the farmhouse's interior with loving detail: a large fireplace, a pile of firewood, and no modern stove in sight. The parenthetical jab at stoves ('tell comfort died') is a clever joke—this old fireplace feels warmer and more vibrant than any metal appliance.
The wa'nut logs shot sparkles out / Towards the pootiest, bless her,
Editor's note
The firelight appears to focus on Huldy ('the pootiest' — prettiest), almost like nature is putting her on display. The small flames flickering on the china dresser create a festive, fairy-tale ambiance in the room. Lowell's narrator can't resist commenting ('bless her'), inviting us into his warm fondness for the moment.
Agin the chimbley crook-necks hung, / An' in amongst 'em rusted
Editor's note
Hanging by the chimney are some squash and an old musket, known as a 'queen's-arm,' that grandfather Young brought back in pieces from the Battle of Concord. This detail connects the family to American history in a subtle way—they may be ordinary farming folks, but their grandfather fought in the Revolution. It adds depth to the romance by anchoring it in a real, lived-in setting.
The very room, coz she was in, / Seemed warm f'om floor to ceilin',
Editor's note
Now we see things from Zekle's perspective: the room feels cozy because Huldy is there. Her rosy cheeks are just like the apples she's peeling. Lowell makes it hard to tell if it's the firelight's warmth or the warmth Zekle feels just from looking at her.
'Twas kin' o' kingdom come to look / On sech a blessed cretur,
Editor's note
'Kingdom come' is heaven — Zekle believes that looking at Huldy feels like catching a glimpse of paradise. The simile that follows ('a dogrose blushin' to a brook') likens her to a wild rose bending over a stream: humble, natural, and sweet. This rural imagery fits her perfectly as a country girl.
He was six foot o' man, A 1, / Clear grit an' human natur',
Editor's note
We get Zekle's résumé: he's tall, top-quality ('A 1'), strong, and capable — able to pitch a lot of hay and plow a straighter furrow than anyone else. Lowell is making it clear that this isn't a weak or foolish boy; he's the best catch around, which only makes his nervousness around Huldy more charming.
He'd sparked it with full twenty gals, / Hed squired 'em, danced 'em, druv 'em,
Editor's note
Zekle has dated a number of girls — twenty, to be exact — but none of them captured his heart. This backstory heightens the tension: Huldy isn't just another casual fling. There's something truly special about her.
But long o' her his veins 'ould run / All crinkly like curled maple,
Editor's note
Around Huldy, Zekle's blood runs 'crinkly like curled maple' — a vivid country image that captures the tingling, twisting sensation of being in love. The comparison to a south slope in April brings warmth: every time she touches him feels like the first sunny day of spring.
She thought no v'ice hed sech a swing / Ez hisn in the choir;
Editor's note
Now we switch to Huldy's perspective. She believes Zekle's voice in the church choir is the most beautiful sound in the world, and when he sings the Old Hundredth hymn, she feels a deeper connection to God. Her love and her faith are completely intertwined — just as it would be in a devoted rural community.
An' she'd blush scarlit, right in prayer, / When her new meetin'-bunnet
Editor's note
Huldy blushes during church prayers whenever she senses Zekle's blue eyes fixed on her bonnet. It's both amusing and sweet to be blushing in the midst of prayer — she struggles to focus on God because the boy she likes is gazing at her hat. Lowell mines a lot of gentle humor from the clash between devotion and desire.
Thet night, I tell ye, she looked _some!_ / She seemed to've gut a new soul,
Editor's note
On the night when the poem takes place, Huldy shines with excitement because she believes Zekle is on his way. The phrase 'She looked some' is a dialect way of saying 'she looked completely different.' The narrator interjects with 'I tell ye' to emphasize how much her anticipation has changed her.
She heered a foot, an' knowed it tu, / A-raspin' on the scraper,--
Editor's note
Huldy hears Zekle's footstep on the boot-scraper outside the door—she knows his tread that well. Her emotions scatter in every direction, like sparks flying from burning paper. It's a fitting image for the sudden and overwhelming rush of feelings.
He kin' o' l'itered on the mat, / Some doubtfle o' the sekle,
Editor's note
Zekle stands on the doormat, uncertain about what will happen ('doubtful of the sequel'). His heart races with nerves, while hers beats with a thought of 'pity Zekle' — a clever little pun that shows she's already made up her mind about wanting him, even as she’s about to act like she doesn’t.
An' yit she gin her cheer a jerk / Ez though she wished him furder,
Editor's note
Huldy jerks her chair as if she wants him to leave, while she peels apples with a fierce intensity. This is typical courtship game-playing — she's masking her happiness at seeing him. Lowell responds with amused sympathy instead of judgment.
'You want to see my Pa, I s'pose?' / 'Wal ... no ... I come dasignin'--'
Editor's note
The dialogue is wonderfully awkward. Huldy dodges the conversation by claiming he's here to see her father or mother, while Zekle struggles to articulate his true intentions. The ellipses in his speech highlight his struggle to find the right words. It's all too relatable, capturing that frustrating moment of trying to express something significant but falling short.
To say why gals acts so or so, / Or don't, 'ould be persumin';
Editor's note
The narrator takes a step back and shrugs: who really knows why girls say no when they actually mean yes? It’s a playful, humorous comment — Lowell isn’t dismissing women; he’s poking fun at the entire courtship dance where both sides act like they don’t want what they obviously do.
He stood a spell on one foot fust, / Then stood a spell on t'other,
Editor's note
Zekle shifts his weight from one foot to the other, stuck in a state of indecision. He can't even figure out which foot is more uncomfortable. This detail captures the intense discomfort of uncertainty perfectly—any reader who has felt nervous around someone they like will relate to it immediately.
Says he, 'I'd better call agin:' / Says she, 'Think likely, Mister:'
Editor's note
Zekle attempts to pull back, and Huldy's calm "Think likely, Mister" — using "Mister" instead of his name — pricks him like a needle. That small formality is just what he needs to break free from his hesitation. He kisses her. The poem describes the kiss with a laid-back "an' ... Wal, he up an' kist her" — understated and all the more humorous for it.
When Ma bimeby upon 'em slips, / Huldy sot pale ez ashes,
Editor's note
When Huldy's mother walks in on them, Huldy turns as pale as ashes — caught in the act. Yet, she’s smiling through her tears, a perfect mix of emotions for a girl who has just been kissed by the man she loves and is now anxious about her mother’s reaction.
For she was jes' the quiet kind / Whose naturs never vary,
Editor's note
Lowell takes a moment to describe Huldy in more detail: she's the steady, constant type, much like a stream that retains its summer warmth despite the chill of January snow. This beautiful image reveals that her feelings for Zekle aren't just a fleeting attraction — they are profound and enduring.
The blood clost roun' her heart felt glued / Too tight for all expressin',
Editor's note
Huldy's heart is so full she can't find the words. Her mother senses the moment, offers her blessing to both of them, and suddenly, Huldy's color returns like the tide rolling back into the Bay of Fundy — a beautiful, sweeping image that captures her relief and joy.
Then her red come back like the tide / Down to the Bay o' Fundy,
Editor's note
The poem concludes with a straightforward line: their banns were read in church the next Sunday, indicating they were publicly recognized as an engaged couple. After the mix of tension and humor, the resolution comes with a straight face and a wink — Lowell invites us to share in the joy without needing to lay it all out.

§04Tone & mood

How this poem feels

Warm, humorous, and full of affection, Lowell writes like a friendly neighbor who views the ups and downs of young love as both silly and beautiful. There's a gentle irony in how Zekle and Huldy act indifferent while being head over heels, yet the narrator never ridicules them — he’s cheering them on all the way. The dialect adds to this tone: it’s grounded and particular, preventing the emotion from slipping into over-sentimentality.

§05Symbols & metaphors

Symbols & metaphors

The fireplace and its light: The fire serves as the emotional heart of the poem. Its warmth and flickering light represent the comfort of love and home. The sparks it sends toward Huldy reflect the feelings shared between the two young people.
The apples Huldy is peeling: The apples have long represented temptation and romance, dating back to Eden. Huldy peels them rapidly, pretending she's not interested in Zekle — they help her act nonchalant. They also tie her to the domestic life and the home she and Zekle will one day share.
The grandfather's musket from Concord: The rusted old Revolutionary War musket hanging by the chimney connects this private love story to American history and the community. It suggests that this family — and, by extension, this romance — belongs to a larger narrative that extends beyond a single winter evening.
The moonlit snow: The opening scene of white silence feels like a blessing on the events of the night. The snow in the poem symbolizes purity and stillness, capturing the world holding its breath as something significant unfolds inside the farmhouse.
The Bay of Fundy tide: The Bay of Fundy is known for having the highest tides in the world. When Huldy's color 'comes back like the tide,' it signals an overwhelming wave of relief and happiness — nature's strongest force capturing an emotion that can't be restrained.
The church choir and Old Hundredth: The hymn and the choir reflect the community's shared faith, but they also serve as the means for Huldy's love for Zekle to express itself. Her sense that God feels nearer when Zekle sings illustrates how deeply intertwined her spiritual and romantic emotions are.

§06Historical context

Historical context

James Russell Lowell first published "The Courtin'" in *The Biglow Papers* (First Series, 1848), which is a collection of satirical dialect poems that initially aimed to criticize the Mexican-American War. However, this particular poem stands apart from the political commentary — it’s a delightful comic romance. Lowell continually revised and expanded it over the years, with the final version appearing in the Second Series in 1867. The Biglow Papers feature a fictional New England farmer named Hosea Biglow as the narrator, and Lowell crafted the dialect to accurately reflect rural Massachusetts speech. "The Courtin'" became one of the most cherished pieces in the collection, widely reprinted and memorized throughout the 19th century. It belongs to a tradition of American vernacular poetry that would later encompass the works of Paul Laurence Dunbar and, in a different style, Robert Frost — poets who demonstrated that everyday speech could express genuine emotion and keen insight without sacrificing artistic quality.

§07FAQ

Questions readers ask

A young farmer named Zekle has fallen for a girl named Huldy. One snowy night, he quietly approaches her window, gathers his courage to enter, stumbles through an awkward chat, and eventually kisses her. Just then, her mother walks in, offers her blessing, and the next Sunday, they announce their engagement at church. It's a charming courtship tale filled with humor and warmth.

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THE COURTIN' by James Russell Lowell

THE COURTIN'

What this poem is about

Recurring themes

Stanza by stanza, with notes

How this poem feels

Symbols & metaphors

Historical context

Questions readers ask

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