The Pulley by Alice Meynell (1893)

Name: The Pulley
Author: Alice Meynell

The Pulley by Alice Meynell is a novella that explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition. The story follows the protagonist, a young woman named Emily, who is struggling to come to terms with the death of her husband. As she navigates her grief, Emily becomes obsessed with an old-fashioned pulley system in her home, which serves as a symbol of the complexities of human relationships. Through her interactions with the pulley, Emily grapples with the idea of connection and disconnection, ultimately discovering that true intimacy can only be achieved through vulnerability and openness. The novella is a poignant exploration of the human experience, delving into the depths of emotional pain and the power of love to heal.

By Alice Meynell · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Victorian literature, Religious · 204 words

First lines

WHEN God at first made man,

Having a glass of blessings standing by,

‘Let us,' said He, ‘pour on him all we can;

Let the world's riches, which dispersed lie,

What this Textopian page supports

The Pulley is listed on Textopian as a poem by Alice Meynell, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Victorian literature, Religious
Length: 204 words
Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — This work by Alice Meynell is a poem, following the conventions and style of literary poetry.
Victorian literature — The author, Alice Meynell, was a prominent Victorian poet and essayist, and her works typically reflect the themes and style of this period.
Religious — Much of Meynell's work, including 'The Pulley', reflects on religious themes, particularly her Roman Catholic faith.