The Old Gray Wall by Bliss Carman

Name: The Old Gray Wall
Author: Bliss Carman

This novel is a coming-of-age story set in a small town where tradition and conformity are deeply ingrained. The protagonist, a young woman, struggles to find her place within this rigid social structure. She is drawn to an old gray wall that has become a symbol of rebellion against the town's stifling norms. As she spends more time near the wall, she begins to question the values and expectations imposed upon her by society. Her relationships with others are tested as she navigates her desire for individuality and autonomy. The novel explores themes of identity, community, and the tension between tradition and progress.

By Bliss Carman · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Canadian Literature, Nature · 213 words

First lines

Time out of mind I have stood Fronting the frost and the sun, That the dream of the world might endure, And the goodly will be done.

Did the hand of the builder guess, As he laid me stone by stone, A heart in the granite lurked, Patient and fond as his own?

Lovers have leaned on me Under the summer moon, And mowers laughed in my shade In the harvest heat at noon.

Children roving the fields With early flowers in spring, Old men turning to look, When they heard a bluebird sing,

What this Textopian page supports

The Old Gray Wall is listed on Textopian as a poem by Bliss Carman, dated 1912 CE.

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

Work type: Poem
Author: Bliss Carman
Date: 1912 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Canadian Literature, Nature
Length: 213 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — Bliss Carman is known for his poetic works and this book is a collection of his poems. The themes and the lyrical writing style characterize it as Poetry.
Canadian Literature — The book is written by Bliss Carman who is a celebrated Canadian poet. His works form a significant part of Canadian Literature.
Nature — Many of the poems within this work focus on themes of nature and the environment. The vivid descriptions of landscapes characterize it under the Nature genre.