Mr. Finney's Turnip
Mr. Finney's Turnip - meaning Summary
A Simple Tale of Consumption
This short, narrative poem follows a single turnip from growth behind the barn to being eaten at the family supper. It recounts mundane domestic actions—harvesting, storage, washing, boiling, and serving—rendered in plain, repetitive lines. The poem lightly celebrates ordinary rural life, the slow passage of time, and the simple economy of home: an object moves through stages until it fulfills its practical purpose at the family table.
Read Complete AnalysesMr. Finney had a turnip, And it grew, and it grew, And it grew behind the barn, And the turnip did no harm. And it grew, and it grew, Till it could grow no taller; Then Mr. Finney took it up And put it in the cellar. There it lay, there it lay, Till it began to rot ; When his daughter Susie washed it And put it in the pot. Then she boiled it and boiled it, As long as she was able; Then his daughter Susie took it And put it on the table. Mr. Finney and his wife Both sat down to sup; And they ate, and they ate, Until they ate the turnip up.
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