Homes. A Sestina
HOMES. A SESTINA Charlotte Perkins Gilman In this poem, Gilman explores the idea of homes and their symbolism in our lives. She describes different types of homes, from the "cozy nest" to the "grimy tenement," each with its own unique character and atmosphere. The poem also touches on themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. Your response?
By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Feminist Literature, Social Commentary · 445 words
First lines
We are the smiling comfortable homes With happy families enthroned therein, Where baby souls are brought to meet the world, Where women end their duties and desires, For which men labor as the goal of life, That people worship now instead of God.
Do we not teach the child to worship God? - Whose soul's young range is bounded by the homes Of those he loves, and where he learns that life Is all constrained to serve the wants therein, Domestic needs and personal desires,- These are the early limits of his world.
What this Textopian page supports
Homes. A Sestina is listed on Textopian as a poem by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, 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: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Date: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Feminist Literature, Social Commentary
- Length: 445 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Homes. A Sestina by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Homes. A Sestina?
- How does this poem by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Songs by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- A Common Inference by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Reassurance Charlotte Perkins Gilman by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Females by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- The Keeper Of The Light by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- The Old Time Wail by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Genres
- Poetry — The book's main form is a Sestina, which is a type of poem.
- Feminist Literature — The author, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, is notable for her feminist works and themes.
- Social Commentary — Charlotte Perkins Gilman's works often include social commentary, particularly regarding women's roles in society.
Tags
sestina · poetry · domesticity · gender roles · feminism · home · identity · family · society · mental health · isolation · nature