Illness by Alice Meynell (1917)

Name: Illness
Author: Alice Meynell

ILLNESS by Alice Meynell is a poem that explores the theme of illness and its impact on an individual's life. The poem describes the physical and emotional toll of illness, as well as the isolation and loneliness that can result from it. Throughout the poem, Meynell uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey the pain and vulnerability of being sick. The poem is structured into four stanzas, each with its own unique rhyme scheme and meter. The first stanza introduces the theme of illness and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The second stanza delves deeper into the physical symptoms of illness, while the third stanza explores the emotional toll it takes on the individual. The fourth stanza reflects on the isolation and loneliness that can result from being sick. Meynell's use of language in ILLNESS is masterful, with each line carefully crafted to convey a sense of longing and despair. The poem's imagery is also noteworthy, with Meynell using vivid descriptions of nature to contrast the beauty of the world outside with the ugliness of illness within. Overall, ILLNESS is a powerful and moving poem that offers a poignant exploration of the human experience of illness. Its themes of isolation, vulnerability, and the fragility of life are timeless and universal, making it a work that continues to resonate with readers today.

By Alice Meynell · First published 1917 · Genre: Health & Fitness, Self-Help, Non-fiction · 585 words

First lines

The patience of young children in illness is a commonplace of some little books, but none the less a fresh fact. In spite of the sentimental, child. ren in illness remain the full sources of perpetual surprises. Their self-control in real suffering is a wonder. A little turbulent girl, brilliant and wild, and unaccustomed, it might be thought, to deal in any way with her own impulses -- a child whose way was to cry out, laugh, complain, and triumph without bating anything of her own temperament, and without the hesitation of a moment, struck her face, on a run, against a wall and was cut and in a moment overwhelmed with pain and covered with blood. "Tell mother it's nothing. Tell mother, quick, it's nothing!" cried the magnanimous child as soon as she could speak.

What this Textopian page supports

Illness is listed on Textopian as a poem by Alice Meynell, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
Language: English
Genres: Health & Fitness, Self-Help, Non-fiction, Autobiographies, Psychology
Length: 585 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Illness by Alice Meynell
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Illness?
How does this poem by Alice Meynell fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Health & Fitness first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Health & Fitness — The title and author suggest that the book's main focus is on the topic of illness, indicating relevance to the health and fitness genre.
Self-Help — The book might provide insights or advice on dealing with illness, fitting within the self-help genre.
Non-fiction — Given the serious nature of the subject matter, the book likely contains factual information relating to illness, indicating its categorization within the non-fiction genre.
Autobiographies — If Alice Meynell shares her personal experiences with illness, it can fall under the autobiographies genre.