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Father calls me William, sister calls me Will, Mother calls me Willie, but the fellers call me Bill! Mighty glad I ain't a girl-ruther be a boy, Without them sashes, curls, an' things that 's worn by Fauntleroy! Love to chawnk green apples an' go swimmin' in the lake- Hate to take the castor-ile they give for bellyache! 'Most all the time, the whole year round, there ain't no flies on me, But jest 'fore Christmas I'm as good as I kin be!

Eugene Field#9

ChildhoodFreedomGenderPlay

About this quote

What does it mean?
A child expresses joy at being a boy who can play freely without restrictions.
In plain terms
I prefer being a boy who can swim and eat apples over a girl with sashes.
What can you take from it?
Gender norms often limit children's activities.

Where it applies

  • choosing clothes
  • playing outside
  • avoiding chores

Putting it to work

  • parenting discussions
  • writing children's poetry
  • discussing norms

Questions to consider

  • What rules limit your freedom?
  • How do children view gender roles?

Another view

It reinforces binary gender stereotypes of the era.

More from Eugene Field

  1. The gingham dog went 'Bow-wow-wow!' And the calico cat replied 'Mee-ow!' The air was littered, an hour or so, With bits of gingham and calico.

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  2. He played the King as though under momentary apprehension that someone else was about to play the ace.

    Permalink to quote #10
  3. The little toy dog is covered with dust, But sturdy and stanch he stands; And the little toy soldier is red with rust, And his musket moulds in his hands. Time…

    Permalink to quote #7

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