Before the Altar by Amy Lowell
"Before the Altar" is a collection of poems written by Amy Lowell in the early 20th century. The poems explore themes of love, loss, and spirituality, with a focus on the inner lives of the speakers. The poems are characterized by their use of imagery, symbolism, and metaphor, which create vivid pictures of the emotions and experiences described. Through her use of language and form, Lowell creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability in the poems, inviting the reader to share in the speaker's emotional journey. Overall, "Before the Altar" is a moving and thought-provoking collection that showcases Lowell's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the complexities of human emotion.
By Amy Lowell · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Literature, Romance · 452 words
First lines
Before the Altar, bowed, he stands With empty hands; Upon it perfumed offerings burn Wreathing with smoke the sacrificial urn.
Not one of all these has he given, No flame of his has leapt to Heaven Firesouled, vermilion-hearted, Forked, and darted, Consuming what a few spare pence Have cheaply bought, to fling from hence In idly-asked petition.
What this Textopian page supports
Before the Altar is listed on Textopian as a poem by Amy Lowell, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Amy Lowell
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literature, Romance, Feminist Literature
- Length: 452 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Before the Altar by Amy Lowell
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Blind by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Unto Us A Son Is Given by Alice Meynell
- Found by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- I Am Running Forth To Meet You by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Fixed Idea by Amy Lowell
- Hymn To The Light by Alice Meynell
Genres
- Poetry — This work is a collection of poems, so the primary genre is poetry.
- Literature — Amy Lowell is an acclaimed literary figure, making its inclusion in general 'Literature' genre relevant.
- Romance — 'Before the Altar' explores themes of love and romance.
- Feminist Literature — Amy Lowell was a notable figure in feminist literature and her works often have feminist themes.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Religion · Spirituality · Love · Faith · Inspiration · Hope · Motivation · Self-discovery · Personal growth · Empowerment