Eyes by Alice Meynell (1908)

Name: Eyes
Author: Alice Meynell

EYES by Alice Meynell is a collection of poems that explore the themes of perception, vision, and the human experience. The book is known for its vivid imagery and thought-provoking language, which challenges readers to consider their own perspectives and the way they view the world around them. The poems in EYES are characterized by their use of metaphor and symbolism, which add depth and complexity to the text. Meynell's writing is both lyrical and introspective, creating a sense of intimacy and connection with the reader. Overall, EYES is a powerful and moving collection of poetry that encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives. It is a testament to Meynell's skill as a poet and her ability to create works that are both beautiful and thought-provoking.

By Alice Meynell · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Feminist Literature, Victorian Literature · 1,747 words

First lines

There is nothing described with so little attention, with such slovenliness, or so without verification -- albeit with so much confidence and word-painting -- as the eyes of the men and women whose faces have been made memorable by their works. The describer generally takes the first colour that seems to him probable. The grey eyes of Coleridge are recorded in a proverbial line, and Procter repeats the word, in describing from the life. Then Carlyle, who shows more signs of actual attention, and who caught a trick of Coleridge's pronunciation instantly, proving that with his hearing at least he was not slovenly, says that Coleridge's eyes were brown -- "strange, brown, timid, yet earnest-looking eyes. A Coleridge with brown eyes is one man, and a Coleridge with grey eyes another -- and, as it were, more responsible. As to Rossetti's eyes, the various inattention of his friends has assigned to them, in all the ready-made phrases, nearly all the colours.

What this Textopian page supports

Eyes is listed on Textopian as a poem by Alice Meynell, dated 1908 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Alice Meynell
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Feminist Literature, Victorian Literature
Length: 1,747 words
Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The book is composed of a collection of poems written by Alice Meynell, thus it belongs to the poetry genre.
Feminist Literature — Alice Meynell was a suffragist and this influences her work, making it a work of feminist literature.
Victorian Literature — Alice Meynell's writing aligns with the literary style and contextual backdrop of the Victorian era, earning it a place in this genre.