“Little Boy Blue” by Eugene Field: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Little Boy Blue” by Eugene Field

“Little Boy Blue” by Eugene Field that first appeared in 1888 in the Chicago weekly literary journal America later republished in 1889 in Field’s collection, The Little Book of Western Verse. The poem is notable for its sentimental and nostalgic tone, evoking a sense of loss and longing for childhood innocence. It employs simple language and imagery, such as toys and a pastoral setting, to create a poignant scene of a young boy who has fallen asleep and never awakened. The poem’s emotional resonance and relatable themes have made it a beloved classic, often recited and referenced in popular culture.

Text: “Little Boy Blue” by Eugene Field

The little toy dog is covered with dust,
    But sturdy and staunch he stands;
The little toy soldier is red with rust,
    And his musket molds in his hands.
Time was when the little toy dog was new
    And the soldier was passing fair;
And that was the time when our Little Boy Blue
    Kissed them and put them there.

“Now, don’t you go till I come,” he said,
    “And don’t you make any noise!”
So, toddling off to his trundle-bed,
    He dreamed of the pretty toys;
And as he was dreaming, an angel song
    Awakened our Little Boy Blue —
Oh! the years are many, the years are long,
    But the little toy friends are true!

Aye, faithful to Little Boy Blue they stand,
    Each in the same old place —
Awaiting the touch of a little hand,
    And the smile of a little face;
And they wonder, as waiting these long years through
    In the dust of that little chair,
What has become of our Little Boy Blue
    Since he kissed them and put them there.

Annotations: “Little Boy Blue” by Eugene Field

Line	Annotation
The little toy dog is covered with dust,	Description of the toy dog’s current state; evokes a sense of time passed and neglect.
But sturdy and staunch he stands;	Despite the dust, the dog remains upright and loyal, symbolizing unwavering companionship.
The little toy soldier is red with rust,	Description of the toy soldier’s condition; emphasizes the effects of time and decay.
And his musket molds in his hands.	Further detail of the soldier’s disrepair; suggests a loss of function and purpose.
Time was when the little toy dog was new	Introduces a flashback to a time when the toys were pristine and cherished.
And the soldier was passing fair;	Continues the description of the toys’ former glory; evokes a sense of nostalgia.
And that was the time when our Little Boy Blue	Introduces the central figure of the poem, emphasizing his connection to the toys.
Kissed them and put them there.	A tender act of farewell, highlighting the boy’s affection for his toys.
“Now, don’t you go till I come,” he said,	The boy’s instructions to his toys, implying a temporary separation.
“And don’t you make any noise!”	A playful command, revealing the boy’s childlike innocence and imagination.
So, toddling off to his trundle-bed,	Describes the boy’s departure to sleep, setting the stage for a dream-like sequence.
He dreamed of the pretty toys;	The boy’s dreams are filled with his beloved playthings, emphasizing their importance to him.
And as he was dreaming, an angel song	Introduces a celestial element, hinting at a transformation or transcendence.
Awakened our Little Boy Blue—	An ambiguous line, suggesting either a literal awakening or a metaphorical passing.
Oh! the years are many, the years are long,	A lament for the passage of time, emphasizing the contrast between past and present.
But the little toy friends are true!	The toys’ unwavering loyalty is contrasted with the fleeting nature of human life.
Aye, faithful to Little Boy Blue they stand,	Reiterates the toys’ steadfastness, despite the absence of their owner.
Each in the same old place—	The toys remain untouched, as if frozen in time, waiting for the boy’s return.
Awaiting the touch of a little hand,	The toys long for the physical connection and affection they once received.
The smile of a little face;	The toys yearn for the joy and innocence that the boy brought to their existence.
And they wonder, as waiting these long years through	The toys’ perspective is introduced, revealing their confusion and longing.
In the dust of that little chair,	The setting emphasizes the passage of time and the stillness of the scene.
What has become of our Little Boy Blue	The central question of the poem, left unanswered, invites contemplation and interpretation.
Since he kissed them and put them there.	A final reference to the boy’s departure, reinforcing the sense of loss and mystery.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Little Boy Blue” by Eugene Field

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“sturdy and staunch he stands”	The repetition of the ‘s’ sound at the beginning of words to create rhythm and mood.
Allusion	“Little Boy Blue”	A reference to a traditional nursery rhyme, evoking nostalgia and innocence.
Assonance	“dreaming, an angel song”	The repetition of vowel sounds (‘ea’ in “dreaming” and ‘a’ in “angel”) to create internal rhyming within lines.
Consonance	“dust of that little chair”	The repetition of consonant sounds (‘t’ and ‘d’) to enhance the musical quality of the poem.
Enjambment	“Kissed them and put them there.”	The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, creating a flow in reading.
Hyperbole	“Oh! the years are many, the years are long”	An exaggeration to emphasize the length of time that has passed.
Imagery	“The little toy dog is covered with dust”	Vivid description that appeals to the senses, painting a picture in the reader’s mind.
Irony	“Awaiting the touch of a little hand”	There is an expectation that the boy will return, which contrasts with the reality of his absence.
Metaphor	“the little toy friends are true”	Comparing the toys’ constancy to the loyalty of friends without using “like” or “as”.
Mood	“But the little toy friends are true!”	The atmosphere created is nostalgic and melancholic, reflecting on loss and memory.
Onomatopoeia	“And don’t you make any noise!”	The word “noise” mimics the actual sound, emphasizing the silence requested by the boy.
Paradox	“the years are long, But the little toy friends are true”	Contradictory statement highlighting how time changes everything but the toys’ loyalty remains constant.
Personification	“The little toy soldier is red with rust”	Giving human characteristics to inanimate objects, suggesting the soldier can feel and change.
Refrain	“And the smile of a little face”	Repetition of a line or phrase at intervals to emphasize a particular idea.
Rhyme	“The little toy dog is covered with dust, But sturdy and staunch he stands;”	The use of end rhyme to create a musical quality and enhance the poem’s structure.
Simile	“And the soldier was passing fair;”	Comparing the soldier’s condition to fairness to highlight how time has changed him.
Symbolism	“trundle-bed”	The trundle-bed symbolizes childhood and innocence.
Theme	Overall poem	The central theme is the passage of time and the enduring nature of memory and innocence.
Tone	“Oh! the years are many, the years are long”	The poet’s attitude is reflective and wistful, looking back on the past with a sense of loss.
Verse	Entire poem	The poem is written in rhymed verse, adhering to a consistent meter and rhyme scheme.

Themes: “Little Boy Blue” by Eugene Field

• Innocence and Nostalgia: The poem “Little Boy Blue” by Eugene Field evokes a sense of innocence and nostalgia through the imagery of the little boy’s toys. The “little toy dog” and “little toy soldier” (1, 2) symbolize a time of purity and simplicity, reminding the reader of the joys of childhood. The lines “Time was when the little toy dog was new / And the soldier was passing fair” (5-6) highlight the contrast between the past and present, emphasizing the passing of time and the loss of innocence. The toys’ steadfast presence contrasts with the passage of time, evoking nostalgia for a lost era of childhood innocence.
• Passage of Time and Change: The poem reflects on the inevitable passage of time and the changes it brings. The “dust” covering the toy dog and the “rust” on the toy soldier (1, 2) serve as tangible reminders of the effects of time on both objects and people. The lines “Oh! the years are many, the years are long” (13) underscore the idea of time’s relentless march. The once-new toys now covered in dust and rust symbolize the transience of childhood and the inevitability of growing up, resonating with readers who reflect on their own experiences of lost youth and cherished memories.
• Memory and Remembrance: The poem celebrates the power of memory to preserve the past. The toys, untouched and waiting, serve as tangible reminders of the little boy who once cherished them. The lines “And they wonder, as waiting these long years through / In the dust of that little chair, / What has become of our Little Boy Blue / Since he kissed them and put them there” (17-20) highlight how memories of the boy are kept alive through the presence of his toys. This theme emphasizes the importance of preserving memories as a means of honoring the past and maintaining connections to loved ones who are no longer present.
• Human Connection to the Natural World: The poem suggests a deeper connection between humans and the objects they cherish. The toys’ loyalty to Little Boy Blue, despite the passage of time, is evident in their steadfast presence: “Aye, faithful to Little Boy Blue they stand, / Each in the same old place” (15-16). The toys are portrayed almost as companions, waiting faithfully for their owner’s return. This theme underscores the emotional attachments people form with objects and the natural world, reflecting a universal desire for connection and continuity in the face of life’s changes.

Literary Theories and “Little Boy Blue” by Eugene Field

• Sentimentalism: This theory focuses on evoking emotional responses in readers, often through nostalgic themes and idealized portrayals of childhood. “Little Boy Blue” embodies sentimentalism through its nostalgic depiction of a child’s world filled with toys (“The little toy dog is covered with dust,” “The little toy soldier is red with rust”), the innocence of childhood dreams (“He dreamed of the pretty toys”), and the sense of loss associated with the passage of time (“Oh! the years are many, the years are long”).
• Symbolism: This theory explores the use of objects, characters, or actions to represent abstract ideas or concepts. In “Little Boy Blue,” the toys symbolize the innocence and joy of childhood, while the dust and rust symbolize the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The “angel song” could be interpreted as a symbol of death or transcendence, adding a layer of ambiguity to the poem’s meaning.
• Reader-Response Criticism: This theory emphasizes the reader’s role in interpreting and constructing meaning from a text. “Little Boy Blue” invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of childhood, loss, and the passage of time. The poem’s open ending, with the unanswered question “What has become of our Little Boy Blue,” encourages readers to fill in the gaps with their own interpretations and emotional responses.

Critical Questions about “Little Boy Blue” by Eugene Field

• How does the poem explore the theme of innocence and nostalgia?
• Eugene Field’s “Little Boy Blue” poignantly portrays the innocence of childhood through the imagery of the little boy’s toys. The poem reflects on a time when the toys were new and the boy’s world was filled with wonder and simplicity. Lines such as “The little toy dog is covered with dust, / But sturdy and staunch he stands;” evoke a sense of nostalgia for a lost era of carefree innocence. By emphasizing the toys’ steadfast presence and the boy’s affection for them, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own memories of childhood and the fleeting nature of innocence.
• What role does time play in the poem, and how does it contribute to the overall message?
• Time is a central theme in “Little Boy Blue,” symbolizing the passage of life and its inevitable changes. The poem depicts the toys as weathered and aged over time, contrasting their current state with the boy’s youthful interactions with them. Lines such as “Oh! the years are many, the years are long,” underscore time’s relentless march and its transformative effects. This exploration of time contributes to the poem’s message about the fleeting nature of childhood and the bittersweet nostalgia for lost innocence.
• How does the poem use symbolism to convey its themes?
• Symbolism plays a crucial role in “Little Boy Blue,” enriching its exploration of memory, childhood, and human connections. The toys, particularly the little toy dog and soldier, symbolize innocence, loyalty, and the passage of time. They serve as tangible reminders of the little boy who once played with them, highlighting the power of objects to evoke memories and emotions. The trundle-bed symbolizes childhood itself, emphasizing the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitable transition into adulthood. Through these symbols, the poem invites readers to contemplate the universal experiences of growing up and the enduring impact of cherished memories.
• What is the significance of the poem’s structure and language choices?
• Eugene Field’s choice of rhyme and meter in “Little Boy Blue” contributes to its nostalgic and reflective tone. The poem is structured in rhymed quatrains, creating a musical quality that enhances its lyrical and timeless feel. The use of sensory imagery, such as “covered with dust” and “red with rust,” vividly portrays the passage of time and the weathered state of the toys. Moreover, the poet’s careful selection of words and phrases, such as “sturdy and staunch” and “an angel song,” evokes a sense of reverence and longing for the past. Overall, the poem’s structure and language choices effectively convey its themes of innocence, memory, and the enduring nature of human connections.

Literary Works Similar to “Little Boy Blue” by Eugene Field

1. “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: A poem about a man’s nostalgic and melancholic reflection on his lost love, Lenore, with a raven’s repetitive presence evoking memories.
2. “The Daffodils” by William Wordsworth: A poem celebrating the beauty of nature and its ability to evoke memories and emotions, much like the toys in “Little Boy Blue”.
3. “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe: A poem about a romantic and nostalgic recollection of a lost love, exploring the themes of memory, beauty, and the passing of time.
4. “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats: A poem expressing the poet’s longing for the past and his desire to escape the transience of life, much like the toys’ steadfast presence in “Little Boy Blue”.
5. “The Lady of Shalott” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson: A poem about a woman’s nostalgic and melancholic reflection on her past, with a focus on the themes of memory, loss, and the passing of time.

Suggested Readings: “Little Boy Blue” by Eugene Field

• Books:
• Field, Eugene. The Little Book of Western Verse. Chicago: M.A. Donohue & Co., 1889.
• —. With Trumpet and Drum. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1892.
• Thompson, Slason. Life of Eugene Field: The Poet of Childhood. New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1927.
• Weblinks:
• Digital Commons @ Connecticut College. “Little Boy Blue” by Guy D’Hardelot and Eugene Field. Historic Sheet Music Collection, 1896. https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/sheetmusic/844/
• PoemHunter. “Little Boy Blue Poem by Eugene Field.” https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/little-boy-blue/

Representative Quotations of “Little Boy Blue” by Eugene Field

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective (in bold)
“The little toy dog is covered with dust, / But sturdy and staunch he stands;”	Description of the toy dog	Symbolism: The toy dog represents the child who has passed away, and the dust symbolizes the passage of time.
“Time was when the little toy dog was new, / And the soldier was passing fair;”	Description of the toys when they were new	Nostalgia: The speaker reflects on the past when the toys were new, highlighting the theme of nostalgia.
“And as he was dreaming, an angel song / Awakened our Little Boy Blue”	Description of the child’s death	Mortality: The poem addresses the theme of mortality, with the angel song symbolizing the child’s passing.
“Oh! the years are many, the years are long, / But the little toy friends are true!”	Reflection on the passage of time	Melancholia: The speaker reflects on the passage of time, highlighting the theme of melancholia.
“Aye, faithful to Little Boy Blue they stand, / Each in the same old place”	Description of the toys’ loyalty	Personification: The toys are personified as loyal friends, emphasizing their steadfastness and faithfulness.